Dugan murder trial delayed eight months

The final chapter in one of DuPage County's most haunting crimes won't be written for another eight months.

The trial of Brian J. Dugan in the Feb. 25, 1983, abduction, rape and murder of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico of Naperville was supposed to begin today, but a judge granted the delay late last year at the defense's request.

DuPage Circuit Judge George Bakalis set jury selection for Sept. 22.

Dugan, 53, formerly of Aurora, is serving life prison terms for two later sex slayings. He long ago offered to plead guilty to Jeanine's murder, but only if his own life is spared. DuPage State's Attorney Joseph Birkett has declined that offer. He argues Dugan is the poster boy for the death penalty.