BARRELL FORMALLY CHARGED WITH CAVALETTO MURDER
The man arrested in connection with the death of Rita "Michelle" Cavaletto was officially charged Wednesday in Marion County Court. 27 year-old Neil A. Barrall, of Centralia, is facing three counts of alleged First-Degree Murder. The body of Michelle Cavaletto was found Saturday, October 20th, around 5PM, on Copple Road in Marion County. She was last seen, earlier that morning going for a walk. Due to leads from the public, the Illinois State Police were able to develop a sketch of a "person of interest" along with a vehicle description.
According to the Probable Cause Statement, the driver's license photos, of registered owners of white Jeeps in the area, were compared to the sketch. Following this lead, Centralia Police Detectives went to Neil A. Barall's residence to speak with him. Barrall allowed the officers inside his garage, where a white Jeep was parked. Detectives noticed a fresh dent in the front hood. Barrall was then taken to the Centralia Police Department, after he allegedly admitted to being on Copple Road Saturday night.
An autopsy, described in the Probable Cause Statement, revealed multiple blunt force trauma to Cavaletto's body and head, and multiple stab wounds to her chest and neck. The report also showed that all of these injuries occurred while she was still alive. Following a videotaped interview with Barrall, police were able to determine that he allegedly struck Cavaletto with his Jeep, dragged her off the road into the woods, kicked her several times in the head and sexually assaulted her. It was also noted that Barrall allegedly left, went home and then came back to the scene, and stabbed Cavaletto multiple times.
If convicted, each count carries a 20-year to life prison sentence, with count three being eligible for the death penalty. Barrall is currently being held at the Marion County Jail, with no bond. A preliminary hearing has been set for Tuesday, November 13th, at 10:30am.
SLEEP INN & SUITES BREAKS GROUND IN GREENVILLE
Owners of the new Sleep Inn & Suites hotel have made the first step in bringing the business to Greenville. We spoke with General Manager Bill Shaw about the ground breaking, Thursday morning at I-70 and Route 127, south of town. He said that it was a big day in Greenville and the hope is to have the hotel open by June 1, 2008.
The Sleep Inn brand is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. and will offer 66 guest rooms, including suites and one meeting room, that can accommodate up to 25 people. The hotel will also offer a complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, indoor pool, spa and exercise room. The design of the hotel is to meet the expectations of both business and leisure travelers.
GC DISCUSSING POSSIBLY MOVE TO OLD THRIFT SHOP BUILDING
It was announced last week, by Greenville College President Jim Mannoia, that Hogue Hall would have to be vacated due to the need of structural improvements for the building. One of the options that is currently being discussed for moving offices and classrooms, is the possibility of temporarily relocating them to the current hospital Thrift Shop building. The Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary will be moving the Thrift Shop into the Super Value building in the near future, therefore the current building would be available.
According to a Greenville College representative, it's possible that GC, along with Kaskaskia College, could team up, and use the space together for classrooms and offices. It was announced awhile back that Kaskaskia was looking for a new building for the Greenville Education Center. The possibility of creating a Small Business Incubator in Greenville, has also been discussed.
Greenville College says that plans are to be in a temporary location in December and remain there until next summer, possibly all of next year, until restoration can be completed on Hogue Hall.
