Marni Yang, convicted in 2011 killing of former Bears player's girlfriend, denied new trial

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) -- Marni Yang's petition for a new trial was denied, her attorney said.

Yang was convicted in 2011 for the murders of 42-year-old Rhoni Reuter and her unborn child at Reuter's Deerfield condo in 2007.

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Reuter was seven months pregnant with a child of former Chicago Bear Shaun Gayle, with whom Yang also had a relationship.

Yang filed a petition seeking a new trial more than five years ago.

She's been in prison more than 14 years already.

"Marni, her father and I are deeply disappointed," attorney Jed Stone said.

He says he firmly believes Yang is innocent in the murder of Reuter, and he vows to continue fighting for her.

He also laid out the next steps in the case that could lead to federal courts.

Yang was sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors have Long maintained that Yang acted alone in a jealous rage. Among the evidence they provided in the initial trial was a secretly taped confession Yang allegedly made to a friend of hers at a restaurant.

And Gayle's attorney believes prosecutors have the right killer behind bars.