Watch CBS News

Trial To Begin Monday In 1957 Slaying Of Ill. Girl

SYCAMORE, Ill. (AP) -- The trial of a man accused in the 1957 kidnapping and slaying of a 7-year-old Illinois girl is expected to begin Monday.

Jack McCullough was arrested last year in Seattle and is in custody in Illinois.

He's accused of felony murder, kidnapping and abduction charges in the death of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph of Sycamore. He's pleaded not guilty.

Ridulph's disappearance and death generated national headlines at the time

Her brother, Charles Ridulph, tells The (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle that it's been very difficult for the family. He was 11 when his sister disappeared.

DeKalb County State's Attorney Clay Campbell says older cases can present dilemmas for attorneys; memories have faded and potential witnesses passed away. Prosecutors' case is mostly circumstantial.

McCullough's attorney, Tom McCulloch, says the case is challenging.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.