Effort Underway to Oppose Release of Men Convicted of Murder of Layton Davis

An effort is underway to oppose the release of two men convicted of the murder of Illinois State Trooper and Effingham County resident Layton Davis.

(TROOPER LAYTON DAVIS)

Aaron Hyche and James Taylor were convicted of the shooting death of Trooper Davis at the southbound I-57 rest area north of Effingham in March of 1976. Trooper Davis had stopped the pair's speeding vehicle. Due to a lack of technology at the time, the trooper was unaware that the pair were being sought for a felony offense in the Chicagoland area and that's why the men thought they had been stopped. Davis was shot and fatally wounded and the pair fled, later kidnapping a girl before being apprehended south of Effingham.

Hyche and Taylor are up for parole annually, meaning Davis' family has had to re-live the incident each year for more than 40 years. It's the same case for Anna Mae Willenborg, who is the girl who was kidnapped by the pair.

James Taylor is now petitioning for clemency due to his age and since his chances of contracting COVID-19 are seen as more likely in prison. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler, who travels to the hearings in Springfield to oppose the pair's release each year, believes the parole hearing for Hyche and Taylor are coming up later this year.

The request for clemency by Taylor adds a wrinkle to the matter. There are efforts underway to get citizens to write letters to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board opposing clemency or parole for the pair, but especially Taylor due to the clemency request. 

Here is where you should send your letter:

State of Illinois

Prisoner Review Board

ATTN: Angie

319 E. Madison St. Suite A

Springfield, IL 62701

In your letter, include:

Objection to Early Release

James E. Taylor, C68879

Ind. No. (s) 76-CF-20, 76-CF-21

Crimes: Murder, Kidnapping

Sentenced 10/15/1976