Trial set for Chicagoan charged in deputy's death

DECATUR -- One of the two Chicago men charged with killing a central Illinois sheriff's deputy last summer is expected to go on trial next year.

Macon County Judge Tim Steadman on Friday scheduled William Thompson's trial for February 9th in Decatur.

Thompson has pleaded not guilty to murder and dozens of other charges in the June 2007 shooting of Douglas County Deputy Tommy Martin.

Martin was shot during a crime spree that included a high-speed chase and standoff at a bank in Arcola. The deputy died almost a month later.

Thompson's co-defendant, Yusef Kareem Brown, has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. His trial hasn't been scheduled.

The case was moved to Decatur because many people in Douglas County knew Martin.