Justice recuses himself from torture case

SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois Supreme Court justice has recused himself from a case involving allegations of torture by Chicago police.

Six justices are left to consider the case of Stanley Wrice, a man who claims police working under former Lt. Jon Burge tortured him into wrongly confessing to a rape nearly 30 years ago. Burge was convicted last year of lying about the torture of suspects.

Wrice is seeking a new hearing on his torture claims.

Justice Robert Thomas of Wheaton did not hear oral arguments in the case Thursday.

Thomas did not explain his decision.

Attorneys say in the case of a 3-3 split by the court, an appeals court ruling that gave Wrice a new hearing would stand.

There was no indication by the court when it will issue a ruling.