Verdict in Ill. group home death leaves questions

CHAMPAIGN (AP) – Paul McCann's death at a Charleston group home led to the creation last year of a new law intended to prevent anyone from being hurt or killed in such a place.

But advocates for the disabled say a jury's April 27 decision to convict Keyun Newble (KEE'-un NEW'-bul) of involuntary manslaughter rather than murder is an injustice. Newble is one of two men charged in McCann's death.

Tony Paulauski is executive director of the disabled-advocacy group The Arc of Illinois. He says people like McCann are often devalued.

McCann died in January 2011. The home where he lived has now been closed.

Kathy Slovick is McCann's sister. The 54-year-old Glen Ellyn woman says the verdict confused her but said at least it offers Newble a second chance.