A new arraignment date has been set for a Kentucky man who is the main suspect in the shooting death of a Wayne County deputy.
Ray E. Tate Jr., 40, had demanded a formal arraignment, but, according to online court records, the court did not have time to read all 38 counts of indictment on Tuesday. The new arraignment date is set for Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.
Tate will appear in person at the Wayne County Circuit Court because he does not agree to an appearance via Zoom, court records state.
Tate has been charged with 36 various counts of Class M murder, a Class X felony charge of aggravated vehicle hijacking and a Class 2 felony charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Tate allegedly led authorities on a bi-state manhunt late last month that started when Wayne County Sheriff Deputy Sean Riley was found gunned down along Interstate 64.
According to the Illinois State Police, Riley was called for a motorist assist after it was called in by a passerby. When other officers arrived, they discovered Deputy Riley’s body and his cruiser was missing. Authorities say Tate allegedly stole the squad care before hijacking a semi-truck driver who drove to Missouri.
Tate is also accused of other crimes in Missouri and Illinois. During the search, police say Tate hijacked several vehicles and took a couple of hostages before he was apprehended after a standoff in rural Clinton County.
Tate was taken to the Clinton County Jail where bail was set at $5 million by Wayne County authorities. He has also been charged with 14 crimes in Missouri court. Additional charges in Clinton County may also be pending.
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