Former EMTs accused of killing patient to be tried separately

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Two former ambulance workers accused of killing a patient will be tried separately.

Peter Cadigan and Peggy Finley were arrested in January 2023 for the murder of Moore Jr. The now-former Lifestar Ambulance EMTs are accused of strapping Moore face-down on a stretcher, resulting in his death.

An autopsy determined Moore Jr. died from compressional and positional asphyxia caused by being restrained in a prone position. Springfield Police body-camera footage capturing interactions between the EMTs and Moore Jr. in December 2022 is among the evidence in the case.

Sangamon County State’s Attorney officials confirmed the case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on February 3. The trial is set to begin May 11, 2026.

However, a judge has ruled the defendants will be tried separately. Cadigan’s trial will begin first on May 11, while Finley’s trial will take place at a later date, which will be scheduled after the conclusion of Cadigan’s case.

Both Cadigan and Finley have pleaded not guilty. They are currently out of custody and are expected to return to court for additional hearings ahead of trial.

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