Man convicted in fatal DUI after 5-year court case

MATTESON, Ill. (WLS) -- There are many cases in Cook County that get gummed up in the system, but the case of Simuel Turner was a revolving door of justice. Turner was charged in July of 2011 with driving drunk in an accident that killed one man and maimed his wife. This week, after more than 60 court appearances and continuances, the case went to trial and Friday afternoon there was finally a decision.

"Mr. Turner, you killed somebody and you maimed somebody and it's been five years and nothing has happened to you," said the judge.

When the I-Team first reported on the long running case last May, Turner had been through four judges and five prosecutors. Shortly after the report, a trial date was set.

This week prosecutors presented their case of what happened at an intersection in south suburban Matteson on July 2, 2011. Kasey and Jim McFall were on their way home from a barbecue when their motorcycle was hit by a pickup truck driven by Turner. Jim died that night. Kasey was in a coma for two weeks and suffers from a life-altering traumatic brain injury.

Turner was drunk, nearly twice the legal limit.

Friday, after more than a five year wait for justice and just a four day trial, Markham Court Judge Allen Murphy announced his finding: guilty of reckless homicide and driving under the influence, Turner's second DUI.

"Guilty, guilty. I don't give a crap what he says, he's guilty. He killed my husband and maimed me. I got two words for him and it's not happy birthday," McFall said.

Turner walked into court but did not walk out. The judge revoked his bond. His supporters were not interested in talking.

Turner's attorney who defended him for more than five years did speak to the press.

"You know, it's very emotional for my people right now. We did what we had to do. That's all I can tell you," Robert Willis said.

"This should have been over years ago. Looking at him today, he never showed remorse once. The verdict was read, he didn't bow his head, showed no remorse whatsoever, so I hope he gets what he deserves," said Kirby Clare, McFall's brother.

What he could receive is between three and 14 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for late October.