NIU Murder Suspect To Get Psych Evaluation
DE KALB (WBBM) -- The man accused of murdering a Northern Illinois University student will undergo an evaluation by the clinical psychologist.
William "Billy" Curl will be interviewed by a psychologist, at the request of his public defender, Regina Harris. Harris told a circuit court judge on Monday that the request was based on a meeting she had with her client on Sunday.
Harris told Newsradio 780's Bernie Tafoya that her client appears "shell-shocked" and may have suffered some sort of mental trauma after being brought up on murder charges.
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DeKalb County Assistant State's Attorney Phil Montgomery said the call for an evaluation came as a surprise, but refused to comment further.
Curl, who is jailed on $5 million bail, has been charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and arson in the death of Toni Keller.
He could face the death penalty if convicted.
Keller, an 18-year-old graduate of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, was last seen Oct. 14 heading to Prairie Park near campus.
Two days later, police found badly burned human remains near some of Keller's possessions in the park. Curl was charged in the case on Friday.
Curl's next court date is Nov. 30.
