Lake County Judge Christopher Stride on Monday began hearing testimony in Marni Yang's bid for a new trial in the 2007 slaying of Rhoni Reuter, a pregnant woman authorities say was killed by Yang due to jealousy over her relationship with former Chicago Bear Shaun Gayle. Yang, now 58, has been serving two life sentences since being convicted of Reuter's murder and that of her unborn child.
Experts on Monday questioned the prosecution's theory, suggesting that the physical evidence presented in court does not support Yang as the killer. Arthur Borchers, a former Oak Park police officer and forensic expert, testified that Yang was too short to have fired the fatal shot that killed Reuter, contradicting prosecutors who claim jealousy motivated Yang to commit the crime.
Crime scene evidence introduced by defense attorney Jed Stone further supports Yang's innocence. The DNA from an unknown man found on five unspent bullet shells at the crime scene, as well as a report stating the killer was taller than Yang, suggest that the perpetrator may have been someone else altogether.
Dr. Cyril H. Wecht, a forensic pathologist who has performed over 21,000 autopsies, also testified in support of Yang's bid for a new trial. He stated that blunt-force injuries found on Reuter's face were not fresh and occurred two to four days before her death.
As the hearing continues, it remains to be seen whether Yang will receive a new trial or if her conviction will stand.
Experts on Monday questioned the prosecution's theory, suggesting that the physical evidence presented in court does not support Yang as the killer. Arthur Borchers, a former Oak Park police officer and forensic expert, testified that Yang was too short to have fired the fatal shot that killed Reuter, contradicting prosecutors who claim jealousy motivated Yang to commit the crime.
Crime scene evidence introduced by defense attorney Jed Stone further supports Yang's innocence. The DNA from an unknown man found on five unspent bullet shells at the crime scene, as well as a report stating the killer was taller than Yang, suggest that the perpetrator may have been someone else altogether.
Dr. Cyril H. Wecht, a forensic pathologist who has performed over 21,000 autopsies, also testified in support of Yang's bid for a new trial. He stated that blunt-force injuries found on Reuter's face were not fresh and occurred two to four days before her death.
As the hearing continues, it remains to be seen whether Yang will receive a new trial or if her conviction will stand.
This whole thing is super fishy, you know? I'm not buying the whole 'jealousy' narrative. Like, yeah sure, Yang was in a relationship with Shaun Gayle, but that's not enough to warrant a double homicide. And now we're hearing that she's too short to have fired the fatal shot... like what, is this a joke? 
Also, why did they wait so long to find the DNA evidence from an unknown guy? That stuff should've been on there at the beginning, right? 
. And Dr. Wecht saying those blunt-force injuries weren't fresh? That's some major inconsistencies right there 
. I'm curious to see how this all plays out - is Yang really getting a second chance? 
. I mean, those bullet shells have DNA from an unknown guy? That's like a major bombshell 
! And Dr. Wecht's testimony about those blunt-force injuries... it sounds to me like they might've been plant evidence 
. The prosecution's theory is shaky at best, in my humble opinion 
. I mean, it's true that the DNA evidence is kinda shaky (like, what's up with that unknown man on those bullet shells? 
) and Dr. Wecht's autopsy findings do raise some suspicions about the timeline of Reuter's injuries. It's not like Yang has been proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt... yet 
. Still, I guess it's always possible that new evidence could come to light and change everything 
. Fingers crossed for Marni Yang! 
!
And what's up with the DNA evidence from the unknown man? How do we know that wasn't planted by the defense team to throw off the prosecution? 
i dunno wut 2 think but i'm lowkey hopin yang gets a new trial cuz she deserves it 
. I'm not sayin' Yang didn't do it or anythin', but at least now we're hearin' some new perspectives and evidence comin' to light. It's gonna be interestin' to see how this all plays out in the end 
.
It kinda makes me think of that movie "Zodiac" where they're trying to catch a serial killer and it's all super complicated. I hope the judge takes all this into consideration 'cause 2 life sentences for Marni Yang seems like a harsh punishment, especially considering she was already convicted... maybe justice needs to be served here? 
. Now, I'm not sayin' she's innocent or anything, but I gotta give credit to her team for keepin' at it and fightin' for justice 
.
. Fingers crossed, though... this could be the break she needs