Judge: Reporters need not turn over notes

A judge says reporters don’t have to submit to subpoenas demanding they turn over notes from jailhouse interviews with a suspect in the 1957 murder of a Sycamore girl.

The DeKalb County judge granted a motion to quash the subpoenas at a Tuesday hearing in Jack Daniel McCullough’s case.

Reporters from the Chicago Tribune and The Associated Press interviewed McCullough while he was in custody in Seattle and before his extradition to face charges in the murder of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph

DeKalb County State’s Attorney Clay Campbell argued the notes could contain vital details about McCullough’s alibi.

Media attorney Samuel Fifer says he’s gratified Judge Robbin Stuckert agreed prosecutors hadn’t met a heavy burden to justify their demand.

Campbell’s office didn’t immediately return messages seeking comment.