Slow Progress in Whitley Case

A noticeably smaller group of supporters and media contingent turned out Tuesday as made a brief appearance in a Cook County courtroom.

Whitley, a former Glenbard West football player, has to charges he was involved in a January 2010 sex assault of a then-15-year-old girl in Rolling Meadows. Whitely remains free on bond as attorneys continue to sort through evidence in the case.

During the short hearing, prosecutors said they expected to have Illinois State Crime lab reports by Tuesday, but it was determined that information had not yet arrived. The case was continued to May 19 for the completion of evidence discovery.

Whitley and former teammate Pierre Washington-Steele have been linked to the January 2010 assault that occurred in a church parking lot shortly before a crash that killed Steele and injured Whitley, according to authorities.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office previously said DNA ties Whitley to the assault, from which a used condom and ripped nylons were recovered as evidence.

Whitley's attorney has suggested consent might be an issue in the case, as well as whether Whitley knew the girl's age.