Judge finds prior complaint admissible in Curl trial

DeKalb County Judge Robbin Stuckert decided a prior complaint of alleged criminal sexual abuse by the DeKalb man accused of killing NIU student Antinette “Toni” Keller could be used at trial.

In 1995, William “Billy” Curl, 35, allegedly made unwanted sexual advances by kissing and fondling a young woman’s breasts in the bathroom of a DeKalb house before the woman was able to leave, Stuckert said.

Allgedly, the woman was under 21 and under the influence of alcohol at the time, Stuckert said. The woman never pursued any charges against Curl for the alleged incident.

Stuckert said the information from the 1995 complaint is relevant because Curl is charged with criminal sexual assault and admissible because Curl told police he had a consensual sexual encounter with Keller.

According to court documents, Curl told police he found Keller in Prairie Park while she was under the influence of Ecstasy. Curl told police Keller had a seizure and died while the two were having sex, according to the documents.

Regina Harris, head public defender and Curl’s defense attorney, said Jayne Braden, a licensed clinical psychologist, is currently preparing a report on Curl that Harris hopes to have ready by next week. Braden evaluated Curl in February 2011 and deemed he was psychologically fit for trial. Braden could potentially be an expert witness used by Curl’s defense during trial. However, Harris said the report may or may not have any bearing.

Keller was last seen Oct. 14, 2010, when she told friends she intended to take a walk in Prairie Park.

Curl is scheduled to go to trial on June 11, after jury selection. Curl faces charges on five counts of first-degree murder, one count of concealing a homicidal death, one count of arson and one count of criminal sexual assault. Curl is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail on over $5 million bond.

Stuckert will continue addressing pre-trial motions at a status hearing Thursday.