9 year old charged in Goodfield fire deaths not in court Friday, evidence gathering continues

Posted on November 22, 2019
The state is still gathering evidence. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

EUREKA – The 9 year old charged in the deaths of five in the April Goodfield fire did not appear in court Friday for the scheduled pretrial hearing.

The defense in the case said they are still receiving evidence from the state. Another pretrial date has been set for December 20.

A prosecutor said he plans on filing two motions, one allowing for statements from the 9 year old accused in the case and another for statements on “past bad acts.”

The defendant last appeared in court October 21 for his arraignment. When his charges were read to him, the judge had to explain terms involve din the case, such as arson and that the charges are allegations.

Two adults and three children were killed in the April 6 fire at Timberline Trailer Court in Goodfield.

Kathryn Murray, 69; Jason Wall; 34; Rose Alwood, 2; Daemeon Wall, 2; and Ariel Wall, 1 were pronounced dead at the scene. The Woodford County Coroner later determined the deaths to be homicides.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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