Starved Rock Killer Chester Weger Dies Aged 86 After Decades in Prison

Chester Weger, known as the 'Starved Rock Killer,' died peacefully at age 86 surrounded by family. He was convicted in 1961 for the murder of Lillian Oetting at Starved Rock State Park in 1960, where three women were brutally beaten to death. Weger initially confessed to killing all three women but later recanted, claiming his confession had been coerced. Despite maintaining his innocence for decades and seeking a new trial, his conviction stood, and he spent nearly 60 years in prison before being released on parole in 2020. His attorney described Weger as humble and kind, highlighting the injustice he suffered and expressing intentions to continue efforts to clear his name. Weger's recent petition for a new trial was denied shortly before his death.