Trial Begins for Suspect in Brutal Joliet Slayings

Miner is one of four suspects charged in the brutal muder

The trial began Tuesday for the so-called "ringleader" in a gruesome 2013 double murder in Joliet.

Joshua Miner, 26, is one of four suspects charged in the murders of Terrance Rankins and Eric Glover, both 22. Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday, but Miner waived his right to a jury trial.

Police say the victims were lured to the house, robbed and strangled, and then the suspects played video games until police arrived.

During a brief opening statement, the Will County State's Attorney's Office said Miner confessed to at least one of the murders, saying, "I killed this guy." Prosecutors also said there is DNA evidence in the form of Rankins' blood on the defendant's shirt.

In its opening statement, the defense took issue with there being a "common plan" to murder Rankins and Glover and went on to say that "evidence is not going to support that." 

Last month, a Will County Judge found 20-year-old Bethany McKee guilty of first-degree murder. A third suspect, Alisa Massaro, pleaded guilty to robbery and concealment of a homicidal death in exchange for a 10-year prison sentence and a fourth suspect, Adam Landerman, is awaiting trial.

Massaro testified during McKee's trial that it was McKee's idea to invite Rankins for a visit because they needed money. She said it was known Rankins would have cash because he was a known drug dealer.

A Joliet police officer testified Tuesday that Miner told him "he had killed the guy ... because he was trying to rape one of the girls." But prosecutors said the motive for the murders was robbery, which they said was planned by all four.

Rankins father, Duval, said it isn't easy dealing with another trial. “It's hard sitting there watching the person who murdered my son," he said.

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow is personally trying the case and said he is "anxious to get going."

Court continues at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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