A Milan man arrested following a drug-induced death investigation in rural Sherrard last year will return to Mercer County Circuit Court later this month.
43-year-old William DeWitt appeared in court on Monday, where a motion hearing was scheduled for Dec. 29. The defense also demanded a speedy trial on Monday. A trial date for DeWitt has not been set.
DeWitt was arrested in April 2024 and is facing charges of first-degree murder and a Class X felony of drug-induced homicide stemming from the December 2023 death of 63-year-old Anthony Qualls of Sherrard. DeWitt has pleaded not guilty to both charges and remains in custody at the Mercer County Jail.
A co-defendant in the case, 54-year-old Susan McFalls of Colona, also appeared in court on Monday and will be back in court on Dec. 29. She is charged with first-degree murder and a Class X felony of drug-induced homicide via accountability. She was granted pretrial release.