Trial starts for state park rape suspect

EDWARDSVILLE -- A trial is under way in southwestern Illinois' Madison County for a man accused of beating and raping a woman in a state park last year.

The case involving 31-year-old Keith Recklein of rural Granite City is being heard in Madison County by Circuit Judge Kyle Napp. Recklein last month waived his right to have a jury hear the matter and agreed to a bench trial.

Prosecutors charged Recklein a year ago with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery.

Authorities contend he attacked a 21-year-old O'Fallon woman in Horseshoe Lake State Park near Pontoon Beach in May 2008.

The victim suffered severe head trauma and has said she really doesn't remember anything.