Indictment for man suspected of Ill., Mo. killings

[July 29, 2008]  GALESBURG (AP) -- An indictment unsealed Monday charges a man suspected of killing eight people with one of the slayings, that of a 65-year-old who was beaten in the head with a blunt instrument.

Nicholas Sheley is charged with kidnapping Ronald Randall, hijacking his truck, stealing his wallet and killing him June 28 in Galesburg. Judge Steven Bordner raised his bail from $1 million to $10 million.

Police suspect Sheley also bludgeoned to death seven other people in Illinois and Missouri -- including a 93-year-old man and a 2-year-old child -- in late June. He's been charged in four of those deaths.

The indictment unsealed Monday didn't specify what was used to kill Randall, who was from Galesburg.

Sheley faces 10 counts of first-degree murder in Randall's death, as well as two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking and one count each of armed robbery, robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The multiple murder counts stem from various aggravating circumstances, including that the victim was over 60 and allegations that the killing was especially brutal.

Knox County State's Attorney John T. Pepmeyer declined to comment after Sheley's court appearance, but said in a news release that he and the Illinois attorney general's office, which is assisting in Sheley's prosecution, haven't decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Sheley's attorney, James Harrell, also declined to comment.

Sheley, closely watched in the courtroom Monday by a black-gloved bailiff, shifted frequently in his seat, jingling the chains that bound his feet and hands. He spoke only briefly, exchanging whispers with Harrell.

Besides Randall, Sheley is charged with killing a 93-year-old man from Sterling -- Sheley's hometown -- and an Arkansas couple whose bodies were found in Festus, Mo. Police say he's also suspected in the deaths of four people in a Rock Falls, Ill., apartment.

Sheley is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignments on Aug. 6.

[Associated Press; By DAVID MERCER]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.