Prosecutor dismisses charges against man for 1997 murder

URBANA – A Champaign County prosecutor has dismissed murder charges against a man accused in a 1997 murder.

Assistant State's Attorney Steve Ziegler said that, until federal proceedings are resolved against his star witness who told a jury he falsely implicated Erick Johnson, 29, for the murder of Timothy "Lucky" Payton, he can't prosecute Johnson.

AP Video

Also on this date

• Former Illinois football player McPhearson pleads guilty
• One UI student dies from infection; another has meningitis
• State wants median removal in Mahomet done its way
• Thomasboro man faces charges of criminal sex abuse
• Bidders on home draw straws to break deadlock
• UI officials applauding survey proposal
• Man charged with armed robbery, home invasion
• Three children escape home fire
• Rantoul, Air Force teaming up on projects
• Police investigating apartment complex robberies
• Champaign, Iowa firms to work on better technology
• Students, seniors build projects, friendships during visits
• Bill calls for clinic oversight
• Evening fire destroys home in Mahomet
• Georgetown to renovate park playground
• Alerts to be given of possible threats
• DHS student joins worldwide science class
• Former Vermilion County employee wants job back
• Group honors educator's commitment
• Sadorus to start new fire station
• Revised speed limits concern safety officials
• Obituaries