Bill Clutter’s work as an Illinois private investigator has helped to free two men and is a perfect example of the how investigators in the private sector are an asset to the public.

Bill is also the director of investigations for the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

“Most of the evidence was uncovered in the spring of 1992,” Clutter said, “It shouldn’t take this long to exonerate an individual. … The justice system did fail.”

On Tuesday, Herb Whitlock walked out of jail for the first time in nearly 21 years. A judge approved the prosecutors’ motion to drop charges against him in the slaying of a newlywed couple.

Whitlock’s release from an Edgar County Jail came 3½ years after prosecutors freed his onetime co-defendant, Gordon “Randy” Steidl, who had been convicted on much the same evidence but was able to file more timely appeals.

A Chicago Tribune article highlights the details of this case and feature’s Bill’s work as the main reason for the release of both men. My congratulations to Bill for a job well done and helping to further build the reputation of our profession.