Addison murder suspect gets more time in jail law library

An Addison man who may face the death penalty if he is convicted of a double homicide will be allowed more time in the jail law library as he pursues his paralegal degree.

Later this month, 25-year-old Gary Schuning will be allowed up to six hours a week in the Wheaton facility's law library, DuPage Circuit Judge John Kinsella ruled.

Authorities allow the jail's estimated 815 inmates one hour each week. Schuning asked for more time as he works to obtain a paralegal degree through a Boulder, Colo., program. His attorneys said it'll also help Schuning get a better understanding of the law as it relates to his death penalty case.

Such requests are not that uncommon. Last month, convicted killer Brian Dugan was allowed more law library hours as he awaits for his trial in the 1983 abduction, rape and murder of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico of Naperville.

Schuning is accused of fatally stabbing his 40-year-old mother, Doris Pagliaro, early Feb. 26, 2006, then using her credit card to hire a young prostitute to visit their former house at 316 S. Yale Street in Addison.

Schuning also is charged with attacking the escort, Kristi Hoenig, 21, of Chicago, that same morning after she reportedly found a bloody knife and made a panicked call to her pimp for help.

Authorities said the man called 911, but it was too late. Police found Hoenig's partially nude body on a bedroom floor. She suffered multiple stab wounds. Nearby, police said they found a receipt that showed the $1,220 charge to Pagliaro's credit card, which authorities said was for a three-way tryst.

Schuning also suffered injuries. Prosecutors allege he stabbed himself. Authorities later found Pagliaro's bound and beaten body in another room. She was partially nude with a knife protruding from her chest.

Prosecutors announced in August 2006 that they intend to seek the death penalty if Schuning is convicted. A trial date has not been set. Schuning has pleaded innocent.