Circuit Court Judge Robbin Stuckert ruled that William Curl can continue his post-conviction appeal.
The 40-year old DeKalb resident pleaded guilty in the 2010 killing of Northern Illinois University freshman Antinette "Toni" Keller. Her burned body was found in a park two days after she disappeared.
Curl filed for post-conviction relief in 2015 and argues he was coerced into pleading guilty. He says then-State's Attorney Richard Schmack threatened to prosecute his 13-year-old son in connection with Keller's murder.
Curl also argues the court-appointed attorney should have suppressed his initial statements to the police because he was under the influence of salvia, according to the Daily Chronicle.
Judge Stuckert set Curl's next hearing for May 23. Curl is currently serving a 37-year sentence at Menard Correctional Center.
