McCullough Found Guilty in 1957 Sycamore Murder

A 72-year-old man has been found guilty of abducting and killing a 7-year-old Illinois girl in 1957.

During closing arguments Friday, prosecutors contended the decades-old murder of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph was the result of Jack McCullough's "evil intentions." But a defense attorney said too much time has passed to rely on the memories of witnesses in the case.

Prosecutor Victor Escarcida accused Jack McCullough of killing Ridulph after enticing her with talk of piggyback rides and dolls.

But defense attorney Tom McCulloch questioned the memory of a childhood playmate who identified McCullough as the man who approached her and Ridulph as they played on Dec. 3, 1957.

McCulloch told the judge that witness Kathy Chapman told police 55 years ago she didn't know the young man or any details about his appearance.

McCullough was 17 when Ridulph was killed.