Judge Puts Gag Order on Hickory St. Double Murder Case, Seals Case File
Judge Gerald Kinney also wants prosecutors and attorneys representing the four murder defendants to investigate the supposed leak.
The judge presiding over the Hickory Street double murder case put a gag order on all the attorneys involved and instructed them to investigate an alleged leak of police reports that led to a series of stories published by Patch.
"I don't think it's inappropriate to start the process of saying, 'Where did this come from?'" Judge Gerald Kinney said during a brief hearing Friday morning at the Will County Courthouse.
"I do think we need steps to get to the bottom of it," Kinney said. "I don't know who did it but I think we need to make a good faith effort to find out, and where it goes it goes."
Joliet lawyer Chuck Bretz, who represents one of the four charged with last month's murder of Terrance Rankins and Eric Glover, both 22, asked Kinney for the gag order. Bretz claimed no one from his law office leaked the police reports.
In the reports, police provided accounts of interviews with the alleged murderers: Joshua Miner, 24, Adam Landerman, 19, Bethany McKee, 18, and Alissa Massaro, also 18.
Police said Massaro told them she and Miner had sex on top of the bodies of the two dead men. McKee reportedly told detectives she had invited Rankins to the house on Hickory Street and he brought along Rankins. She led the two men to believe they would have sex with her and Massaro, the reports said.
Miner reportedly told officers he first punched Rankins to stop him from sexually assaulting McKee. After further questioning by police, the four conceded they had planned to rob Rankins and Glover, with Massaro reportedly telling officers McKee knew a man who sold drugs and “kept a lot of money on him.” Detectives asked her what she meant by a “lot of money,” and she “stated approximately $100,” a report said.
Massaro's father, Phillip Massaro, lives with her in the same Hickory Street house where Rankins and Glover were found dead. Phillip Massaro was home at the time of the killings, police said, and heard a crash while Landerman and Miner were strangling Rankins and Glover to death. He threatened to call police but never did, the reports said.
McKee's father, Shorewood resident William McKee, ended up alerting the police in that town to the murders after his daughter called him and asked for help with disposing of the bodies, according to the reports. The Shorewood police passed the information along to the Joliet Police Department.
Massaro, Miner, Landerman and McKee reportedly planned to dismember the bodies. Once the corpses were cut up, reports said, the four alleged killers considered dumping the remains in a body of water or bagging them and leaving them on the curb in another town on garbage day. Landerman reportedly told officers he took steps to dismember the bodies by gathering “supplies,” including rubber gloves, bleach, a saw and a blow torch, a report said.
McKee told officers that Miner “wanted to keep the teeth of both deceased as trophies from killing them after they had cut up the bodies,” a report said.
Bretz said the the alleged release of the reports was "unfair."
"It's completely unfair to let the press have this field day," he said.
The attorneys for the three other defendants joined Bretz in his motion for a gag order and to have the case file sealed. Public defender Frank Astrella asked Judge Kinney to appoint a special prosecutor to the case, apparently to investigate the alleged release of the police reports.
Judge Kinney set a March 11 court date to address the matter. In the meantime, he has sealed the file and instructed the attorneys not to talk to the media.
In This article
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Will County Courthouse
14 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL -
City of Joliet
150 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL -
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Joliet Police Department
150 W Washington St, Joliet, IL -
Stu
2:38 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Chicago Tribune:
"A reporter for a local news website that published information this week about the slayings citing police reports was issued a subpoena by one of the defense attorney’s firms."
Wonder who they are talking about?
Joel Craig
2:41 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Nice going Judge Kinney. Allow the prosecution to poison the jury pool first, THEN impose the gag order. And the string of fair trials in Will Co. continues...
Jerry
9:37 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Don't be so sure it was the prosecution. Perhaps Mr. Bretz protests to much after he slithered out from under his rock to file this motion. It is part of his MO to engage in activities like this then when he gets called out by the judge will blame "someone in his office who has been disciplined for the indiscretion". The only sure way to tell if Bretz is lying is if his lips are moving. Allegedly, and in my opinion, of course.
Kimberly
3:21 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
So did the 4 confess? How can they explain the events that took place, and then say they aren't guilty? Can't go insanity, can't blame drugs ...... it was premeditated. My question is, what about the father who was home??? He threatens to call Police, but doesn't .... he was OK with 2 dead bodies in his home? The only positive I can see out of this whole horrific crime, is the 2 year old little girl who won't be raised by her murdering mother, and I guess to call that positive is even a stretch.
Joy-let Resident.
7:16 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I guarantee that girl with the kid just takes a deal to testify against the rest..she played the smallest roll(based on leaked info) she won't be locked up long.
anonymous
3:24 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
What is wrong with these incompetent judges-other than the fact that they get elected by sucking up to the scumbag Will County union leaders to get elected. All of these leaks are a bunch of garbage and if anyone thinks that they'll get a fair trial in this country any more is mistaken-guys like Glasgow leak this stuff to make their job easier and the tools in the media go along so they don't cut out of the loop.
Watchful Eye
4:00 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Wow, I'm impressed. You sure do seem to have a handle on what's going on here. You're outrage is aimed at people that had nothing to do with the fact that four monsters killed two people.
I am not as concerned as you are about Will County union leaders, which you referred to as "scum bags." Aren't you more concerned that the four subhumans that Hosey's story described were living amongst Will County citizens, just waiting for the proper moment to erase two men from the face of earth?
I guess not. Blah, blah, blah.
anonymous
4:20 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
WatchfulBrownEye-it's all about fair trial and due process-because if it's not then we should rip up the Constitution and go back to the Divine Right of Kings. Let the juries decide-not the morons in the media doing our thinking for us.
Watchful Eye
4:29 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
"WatchfulBrownEye?" Well, wasn't that mature. And you are going to tell ME about what's fair and due process, thrown in with some Constitution rights? Pull your fangs in.
Okay then.
Frank Stein
8:15 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
@Watchful Eye: don't engage this moron. All he does is post anti-police, govt b.s. Its slightly obvious he's got some "issues" with authority. But as the "brown eye" comment shows, he's just a little boy. To afraid to go out in the world so he plays internet "tough guy" when in reality, he's a scared little sissy
Watchful Eye
11:25 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
You're right, Hugh.
DRECKS
9:51 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Maybe there is another book in the works. I can see Rob Lowe playing a subhuman scumbag murdering monster.
Amanda Bowl
7:51 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Thank God for the gag order! Have lost all respect for Joe Hosey. Hope the almighty buck bails your butt out someday. You will need it!
Tina
8:38 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
What exactly do you think Joe did wrong Amanda? He's a reporter and damn good one! There was no gag order in place when he wrote his stories. If those reports weren't suppose to be relased then whoever did that is as at fault. Not Joe, he was just doing his job!
lj
7:03 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
What you guys fail to realize is that it is not Joe Hosey's responsibility to ensure that they get a fair trial. That responsibility falls on the justice system. Hosey's job, in case you forgot, is to report. In a competitive news market, he has to get the tidbits that no one else gets in order for him and his employer to continue having a job.
Secondly, he didn't report anything that most people didn't already know.
Tina
9:29 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Reality Bites: PERHAPS you are a little confused on what a journalist/reporter does ?? They gather information and facts and they write and report them. And not only does Joe do that , he usually does it before any other news outlet. He is suppose to get the story and get it before anyone else! Looks like he does an exceptional job at both. As for your jab at his book , not only did it sell ,but having it bought for a movie is called SUCCESSFUL, not crap. Maybe you should educate yourself before making such ignorant remarks. Start With: JOURNALIST , REPORTER, SUCCESS, and JOE HOSEY.
Joy-let Resident.
7:20 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
@lj I agree a lot of this, unfortunately, was common knowledge. With the internet how it is...it doesn't take long for one public safety or hospital person to spill the beans on what some rookie cop on his first big case blabbered. Irregardless, they do deserve a fair trial, which they will not get...but hey...I think this case is pretty simple.
Audrey McNamara
9:09 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
It's all true! And i spread the word everyday! If they do not rot in jail, someone will get them on the outside! Sick ass murdering monsters!
BitterBluePoison
9:33 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Whaaaaaaaa....whhaaaaaaaaaa..Problem is ...one d ten t....Duh. You all would appear more intelligent if you would just not post!
I'm Just Saying
10:34 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
This is SICK !!!!!!!!!!!!!! These people that did that to those Men are SICK & DERANGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They need to stay where they are at and throw away the key! They had taking two lives and then Laugh about it wellll it's time to get whats coming to Them............ God Bless The Rankins & Glover Familys....
koko
12:13 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
They have the nerve to be upset with the reporter for doing his job, when Josh is in jail bragging and telling detail from detail on how he murdered Eric and Terrance. If there is anyone to be mad at its the murders.
anonymous
1:49 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
City of champions-typical joliet loser bar where losers gather to cheer for some stupid sports team with other like minded losers that have no lives so they cheer "rah rah sis boom bah" as they drink themselves into a stupor to forget their worthless lives.
lj
7:12 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
So you're a loser as well as stupid if you enjoy watching basketball while having beer with your friends? What makes one intelligent in your eyes? Would crocheting while watching masterpiece theater qualify?
darla black lopez
2:06 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Wow someone said there not gunna get a fair trial after the jury was poisoned ?these 4 don't deserve a fair trail ! I truely believe in a eye for a eye a life for a life. I don't hide behind a false name I use my full true name ! These 4 deserve the death. Its just a shame the parents of these 2 young men can't do it themselfs !
Joy-let Resident.
7:27 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Death Sentence may be in order, however, many men have been released from prison due to DNA evidence presented 20-30 years later. Do you not think the victims families and public would have liked to kill the guilty party at that time. 30 years later...they got the wrong guy. We MUST ALWAYS give a fair and speedy trial. I am like you and I know information about this case that isn't public knowledge...so I am assured that they people are guilty...but they MUST have their day in court. Don't you fret...they're not getting any deals ;)
darla black lopez
2:26 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
All this ranting! The families of these 2 young men lost there babies,there brother,there cousin thee friend ! This story hit my heart and I cried for these famlies,they won't have a wedding the 1 man won't have children the other man won't see his baby grow up. I can't emagian loosing one of my children.
darla black lopez
4:42 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Sounds to me like some people they are saying mean things maybe friends of these murders,if your threatening me be aware I don't scare easy. Like I said I use my real name iam listed in the phone book. Iam a regestered gun ower with a foid card,I raised and train unwanted and abused pittbulls and iam friends with many of joliets police officers. This crime hit the officers on scene hard. Enough to bring a grown man to tears. This is one of the worst and hanious crimes. My heart breaks for there families. How dear anyone take anothers lifes in such a discusting way. These young boys were deprived of there lifes as well as there famlies. And stop with the raciest remarks ! I live in the gray area there's no black and white ! I pray for. These famlies that the hurt lessons over time. There moms god there moms ! How does a mother survive after this !
darla black lopez
4:47 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
And thank you hugh ! Everytime I see a news artical about this crime. I find myselfs in tears.
darla black lopez
4:50 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Joliet police will be contacting patch to locate who reality bites is they have to sign in with there email. Just incase your brainless enough to hurt a innocent person. Shame on you if u even have shame
darla black lopez
5:13 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Most who threaten are all talk. They always wanna talk bad about the police yet they call them when there indanger or need help. Yea pat I think there the same person hide behind there screne name. Its sad not once has anyone hurt forb the mothers and families. These poor families have to live with this sad disturbing murder of there child and people are eith defending these murders or ranting about nonscence !
darla black lopez
7:33 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Hugh I believe they were blocked from patch, threats are takin serious especially on a public site. Either that or they know threats don't apply to free speech.
Frank Stein
7:45 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Darla and the whole Patch community.
I apologize for polluting the board and engaging the lower elements of society in an arguement.
The best course of action in the future is to not engage, let their comments stand, and have the Patch staff block these people/
I have unknowingly took the focus off of two families and their pain. And to the families of the two young men: You have my prayers and support. Lets all just pray for a swift trial and end to your nightmare.
All of Joliet mourns for you and your loss and you have our prayers
darla black lopez
8:31 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Hugh I understand I could feel your anger at them fools,its ok it was good to see someone put them in there place. Let's just pray for the families of eric and terrence.they have to sit in the court room and hear every grim detail of the childs murder. Let pray and stand together to encourge our hurt for them. Lord I can't emagain being in there shoes god bless them ! Your in my prayers every day !
J
9:09 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
I'll save the tax payers some money ill get sent to jail for something and axe these pieces of shit myself hell ill just put some money on a inmates books both male& female let them carry it out
darla black lopez
10:22 am on Sunday, March 3, 2013
Bless your heart j,I feel your hurt in your statement. Please just incase something does happen to them fools your statement isent reviewed. My heart feels your eithr family or friends if eric and terrence. Bless you I pray your pain lessons ! Hugs this crime has hurt the whole community but nothing like the family and friends feel ! My prayers are with you all.