(WGN-AM)- Juan Rivera was sentenced today to life without parole for the rape and murder of an 11-year-old baby-sitter in Waukegan in 1992.
Earlier today, his request for a fourth trial was denied by Lake County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Starck.
A jury found Rivera, 36, guilty on May 8 of raping and stabbing Holly Staker to death in a Waukegan apartment, choosing to rely on testimony that he confessed to the crime despite DNA evidence that showed semen found in Staker's body was not Rivera's.
Rivera defense attorney Thomas Sullivan this morning criticized Starck's handling of the case.
"We have the trappings and semblance of a trial. I have participated in trials many times. I do not recall a case in which so many rulings in my opinion were wrong ... You cut us off at the knees," Sullivan told Starck.
Staker's mother and sister were in the courtroom and read victim impact statements before sentencing.
"Put him away for life and let us live," said Holly's mother, Nancy Kalinoski.
(The Chicago Tribune contributed to this story)
Get the latest news at the top and bottom of every hour on Chicago's WGN Radio 720
Earlier today, his request for a fourth trial was denied by Lake County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Starck.
A jury found Rivera, 36, guilty on May 8 of raping and stabbing Holly Staker to death in a Waukegan apartment, choosing to rely on testimony that he confessed to the crime despite DNA evidence that showed semen found in Staker's body was not Rivera's.
Rivera defense attorney Thomas Sullivan this morning criticized Starck's handling of the case.
"We have the trappings and semblance of a trial. I have participated in trials many times. I do not recall a case in which so many rulings in my opinion were wrong ... You cut us off at the knees," Sullivan told Starck.
Staker's mother and sister were in the courtroom and read victim impact statements before sentencing.
"Put him away for life and let us live," said Holly's mother, Nancy Kalinoski.
(The Chicago Tribune contributed to this story)
Get the latest news at the top and bottom of every hour on Chicago's WGN Radio 720
