Alleged Illinois Church Gunman Indicted on Murder Charges
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The attorney for a man accused of fatally shooting a southwestern Illinois pastor in church has entered a not guilty plea on the man's behalf — despite his client's attempt to plead guilty.
Twenty-seven-year-old Terry Sedlacek appeared for a Thursday arraignment via video from his Madison County jail cell. He was indicted hours earlier on first-degree murder charges in the death of the Rev. Fred Winters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Public defender John Rekowski entered a not guilty plea for Sedlacek.
Sedlacek, on a closed-circuit television, then spoke up and told the judge in he wanted to plead guilty.
But the judge said the previous not guilty plea would stand.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities say Sedlacek killed Winters at First Baptist Church in Maryville during a March 8 service as the congregation watched in horror.