Lee may be extradited from Memphis by end of week

By Gus Bode

Gary D. Lee of Carbondale has waived extradition and should be turned over to Jackson County authorities by the end of the week, according to Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Wepsiec.

Lee, 30, is charged in the Friday night stabbing murder of SIUC alumna and Unity Point Elementary School teacher Ellen Drake and burglary of her home. He was arrested Sunday night in Memphis, Tenn., where he is being held at a $1 million bond.

Lee is facing five counts of first-degree murder, one count of robbery, one count of residential burglary and one count of theft over $10,000.

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A relative found Drake’s body in the living room of her Carbondale home early Sunday morning.

Police arrived at Drake’s home at about 3 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call from an undisclosed caller.

Police said it was evident a homicide took place because of the severity of the wounds.

Wepsiec said that there is no point in setting a first appearance date for Lee until he has returned to Carbondale. If he is returned this morning his first appearance could be as early as this afternoon.

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