Lawyers for two men accused of killing a Crest Hill police officer were told by a judge Wednesday that he expects the trial of one of the defendants to start in less than two months.
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Will County Circuit Court Judge Rodney Lechwar said he “was serious” about starting the trial of Elton Williams on July 17. He added that he expects all pretrial hearings to be over by then.
Williams, 23, and Gregory Shaw, 30, are charged with taking part in the fatal shooting of police officer Tim Simenson last Sept. 28. Shaw is be tried separately.
According to police, Simenson stopped a car driven by Shaw. When the officer opened the trunk, Williams, who was hiding there, allegedly opened fire and killed Simenson.
Lechwar made his comments during a hearing in which defense lawyers said they planned to file more pretrial motions in the case. The judge set June 26 for a hearing on all motions.
In response to a defense question, prosecutors said they will seek death sentences for both men if they are convicted.