Published: October 09, 2009 11:53 pm      

Suspected get-away driver pleads not guilty

DANVILLE — The driver of a suspected getaway truck in a fatal home invasion attempt last month told sheriff’s department investigators he knew about the plan.

Zachary Spencer, 17, of Georgetown appeared Thursday in Vermilion County Circuit Court facing two counts of Class X home invasion in connection with an incident last month in the village of Indianola.

Thomas Moore, 22, of Georgetown and Peter Chromyn II, 17, of Tilton were shot and killed the night of Sept. 21 after forcing their way into the home of longtime police officer Max E. "Mick" Taylor on the south side of Indianola.

Spencer, who police say dropped the duo off at the Taylor home, was arrested by deputies a couple of blocks away in a truck.

Sheriff’s Department Investigator Todd Damilano took the stand during Thursday’s hearing, testifying that Spencer told sheriff’s department investigators he was aware of plans by Moore and Chromyn to rob the Taylors, leaving them tied up in their home.

Damilano also told the court Spencer called 911 after hearing four shots.

The sheriff’s department previously has indicated that Moore and Chromyn targeted the address because they were under the impression the couple had money in the two-story home. After forcing their way inside, police say the men attacked Taylor while demanding to know where the safe was, strangling him with their hands. The men followed Taylor’s wife upstairs when she offered them her jewelry.

At that point, police say Taylor retrieved a handgun from inside the bedroom and shot Chromyn as he was leveling the shotgun at Taylor. Taylor followed Moore to a first floor bedroom where he was shot as well.

Spencer, who posted bond, formally pleaded not guilty as part of Thursday’s proceedings. He has another court appearance scheduled for February.

The charges, both Class X felonies, have maximum punishment of 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. One of the charges also carries special penalties with it, adding to the potential maximum prison time.