Joshua Miner murder trial begins; Alleged mastermind in Joliet double strangling

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- A bench trial began Tuesday for Joshua Miner, the alleged mastermind behind the gruesome murders of Eric Glover and Terrance Rankins.

Glover, 22, and Rankins, 22, were strangled in a home in the 1100-blcok of North Hickory Street in Joliet in January 2013. Miner, 26, is one of four people charged in their murders.

"We're just anxious to get going. It's going to be moving pretty quickly. This is the process," Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow said. Glasgow is prosecuting the murder case. He had asked Miner to be shackled during trial, but the judge decided against that.

Miner opted for a bench trial on Monday. After opening statements on Tuesday, police officers called to the crime scene testified before the judge. One of them said Miner told him he killed one of the men, and his friend killed the other.

Prosecutors said Miner lured the victims into the home by saying there was going to be a party. Then he robbed and killed the men. Prosecutors said witnesses told them Miner fantasized about cutting off the face of one of the victims and making a mask of it, and about having sex on their bodies.

The opening statement from Miner's attorney lasted about one minute and gave no indication of how the defense plans to argue its case..

Surrounded by family, Rankins' mother, Jamille Kent, was at court on Tuesday.

"I really can't describe it. I just miss him. They took my child. They can't have power over me, too," she said. "I'm just glad it's here. This has been a long 20-some months. I'm just glad we finally getting something accomplished here now."

Attorneys expect the trial to last about a week.

Two other suspects arrested in the deaths have already been convicted: Bethany McKee and Alisa Massaro, both 20. Adam Landerman, 21, is awaiting trial.