New DNA tests ordered in murder of Shaun Gayles girlfriend

By Jim Newton Sun-Times Media September 11, 2014 5:38PM

Marni Yang (left) was found guilty of gunning down Rhoni Reuter (right) in her Deerfield condo in 2007. | File

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In prison for killing Rhoni Reuter, the pregnant girlfriend of ex-Chicago Bears player Shaun Gayle, Marni Yang is hoping new DNA tests will exonerate her.

On Thursday, Lake County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Stride signed an order for the testing of shell casings from the bullets used to kill Reuter, 42, of Deerfield, who was seven months pregnant when she was killed in 2007.

I know her trial was highly watched, and the evidence seemed overwhelming, said Jed Stone, Yangs defense attorney. But we are on a truth-seeking mission.

Stone said he has retained a highly respected DNA expert to attempt to extract touch DNA from the shell casings, which Stone said could identify the real killer.

Assistant States Attorney Ari Fisz said prosecutors have no objection to Stones request for new DNA testing.

After she was convicted in Lake County Circuit Court, Yang lost an appeal in the 2nd District Appellate Court, and the Illinois Supreme Court refused to hear her case.

But Stone said Yangs first, direct appeal was limited to information used during the trial. Stone is now putting together a post-conviction petition that can bring in new evidence that wasnt heard at trial.

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New DNA tests ordered in murder of Shaun Gayles girlfriend