By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Former McLean County State’s Attorney and judge Ron Dozier died Monday after a lengthy illness at the age of 73.

Dozier is best known for taking David Hendricks to trial, who was found guilty of killing his wife and three children in their Bloomington home in 1983, but later had his convictions overturned.

Former WJBC News Director Steve Vogel covered the investigation and trials, which he documented in his book, “Reasonable Doubt.” Vogel shared a Facebook post Tuesday recognizing Dozier.

Dozier served as the county’s top prosecutor from 1976 to 1987, then became a judge until he retired in 2006. Former WJBC reporter Howard Packowitz knew Dozier when he covered the courts.

“There are many, many news stories I probably would not have gotten if it weren’t for Judge Dozier,” said Packowitz.  “He’d allow reporters to walk into the judge’s chambers and check court files if they weren’t in the clerk’s office.  He was a good guy and he trusted the media,” Packowitz said.

Dozier is a native of Mill Shoals in southern Illinois. According to his CaringBridge page, arrangements are pending.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]