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Rockford Man Found Guilty Of 2008 Murder Of Public Defender

A Winnebago County jury delivered a "guilty" verdict Wednesday night in the 2008 murder of Rockford attorney Gregory Clark.

Clark was shot in the back while he used a snow blower in front of his home during a snowstorm in February 2008. Witnesses said they saw a blue van speeding away from the scene.

Rockford resident Richard Wanke was a long-time suspect in the murder. Clark was his public defender in a theft case, and Wanke had been trying to get him removed from the case. Some witnesses identified Wanke as the person they saw shoot Clark and the getaway van as belonging to Wanke's friend.

Wanke faces 20 to 60 years in prison on the first degree murder charge and is due back in court March 14. He's also eligible for an extended sentence up to natural life in prison.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.