People v. Spegal

Harry E. Spegal was indicted in the circuit court of Champaign County for the murder of David Wayne Anderson, a six-year-old boy. He moved to waive a trial by jury. The State’s Attorney stated that he did not have any objection to the waiver of a jury. The trial judge, nevertheless, denied the motion. After pleading not guilty, defendant renewed his motion to waive a jury. Again the State’s Attorney made no objection and the motion was denied. When the case came on for trial the State’s Attorney made his opening statement describing what the evidence would show, including an admission by the…