Killing spree suspect says he's being 'railroaded'

GALESBURG, Illinois (AP) -- The man charged with killing eight people during a two-state rampage in June said in a jailhouse interview Tuesday that he cooperated in his arrest because his family feared he'd be killed if a manhunt continued.

Speaking out for the first time, Nicholas Sheley said he also cooperated in his July 1 capture in Granite City because he wants a quick trial.

Sheley, who was arrested as he smoked a cigarette outside a bar, said he knew he was the subject of a manhunt because he'd seen newspaper accounts of the case and had talked to his family.

"I played a part in my capture," Sheley said from behind a glass window at the Knox County Jail. "Not only that, but it was also concerns for my family. They were stressed out and worried and concerned over the fact that the police might want to kill me."

Sheley is charged with bludgeoning to death six people in Illinois and two people in Missouri. Knox County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in one slaying.

The inmate held many papers and handwritten notes, including a Federal Express envelope, as he talked. He said he decided to speak to a reporter because he wants a speedy trial and he feels that won't happen.

"Because to me it has its advantages and to the state it has its disadvantages, which I'll keep to myself," he said.

Sheley criticized his public defenders, with whom he says he has not discussed the facts of the case.

"The lawyers keep making reference to an appeal process. So basically, they're probably already under the impression that I'm guilty, without even having it gone to a trial yet," he said.

Sheley said he feels "not necessarily set up, but railroaded."

Jim Harrell, one of Sheley's attorneys, said Tuesday that the defense agreed in court Friday to file a motion requesting that Sheley undergo a psychiatric examination. He said that motion will be filed soon, but that attorney-client privilege prevented him from commenting on why it was being filed.

Sheley said he thinks the motion is an effort to "buy more time."

Sheley is charged with killing four people -- including a 2-year-old boy -- who were found in an apartment in Rock Falls, in northwestern Illinois. He also is charged with killing a 93-year-old man in Sterling, a 65-year-old man in Galesburg and a couple in Missouri.

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