Prosecutor rests case against accused spree killer

GALESBURG -- Prosecutors rested their case after one day of testimony in the assault case against accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley.

The 30-year-old Sheley is on trial on aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and criminal damage to property for throwing pieces of a metal chair at Knox County Jail employees.

Prosecutors on Tuesday called sheriff's deputies who entered the area of the jail where Sheley is being held to subdue him. Jurors were shown the chair as evidence, as well as photographs of the injuries at least three of the deputies sustained.

Public Defender Jim Harrell's request that Judge Stephen Mathers issue a directed verdict in favor of Sheley was denied. Mathers recessed the trial until Wednesday, when the defense is expected to present its case.

Sheley is also charged with the June 2008 killing of six people in Illinois and two in Missouri.