Jackson County judge vacates Gaege Bethune’s murder conviction

By Campus Desk, Staff Report
September 17, 2018

A Jackson County Judge vacated Gaege Bethune’s murder conviction for first-degree murder with aggravated battery in the death of SIU student Pravin Varughese, according to WSIL News.

The 12-person jury did not find Bethune guilty on the second charge noted – first-degree murder with an aggravated factor of robbery, as reported previously by the Daily Egyptian.

(See more: Bethune found guilty in 2014 death of SIU student)

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WSIL News reports the judge made the decision Monday, saying wording in the indictment could have confused jurors.

The judge said the prosecution did present sufficient evidence for the conviction and there was no misconduct on anyone’s part, but there was the possibility the jury could have been swayed by the wording, WSIL News said.

The case is set for a retrial but no date has been set. This story will be updated when more information is available.

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SIU Leadership and Service Week 2024. Recognizing National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Events from November 15th through 21st.