Jack McCullough’s hearing for a certificate of innocence was pushed back to next year.
It was supposed to be held Monday. Instead, newly-elected DeKalb County State’s Attorney Rick Amato signed a court document that day, postponing the court date to the end of January.
Amato didn't immediately return calls from WNIJ regarding his rationale for the decision.
McCullough was originally charged with the 1957 murder of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph of Sycamore. He was released from prison earlier this year after former DeKalb County State’s Attorney Richard Schmack reviewed all evidence and determined McCullough could not have committed the crime.
Schmack was defeated in the fall general election earlier this month.
Illinois State Police are allegedly pursuing a new suspect as well. That’s according to Cook County Circuit Court documents obtained by CNN.