Medical Release Hearing Set for William Buck
A judge will hear arguments regarding a medical release for convicted murderer William Buck on September 25.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice
William Buck, who is serving a 60-year sentence for the 2001 killing of Detective Kevin Rice, will seek medical release on September 25, 2026. The petition argues that his current health conditions exceed the capabilities of prison medical resources.
Why it matters
Buck's legal team argues that he is permanently incapacitated and requires external care, a claim currently being challenged by state officials. The case brings public attention to how the correctional system manages incarcerated individuals with severe health needs.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has officially assessed Buck as medically incapacitated. He currently suffers from conditions including spinal stenosis, a seizure disorder, asthma, and hyperlipidemia.
The players
William Buck
He is a convicted murderer currently serving a 60-year prison sentence.
Kevin Rice
He was a detective killed in the line of duty during a 2001 incident.
Lyla Wasz-Piper
She is the attorney who has represented Buck since 2022.
Illinois Department of Corrections
This state agency oversees the incarceration and medical assessment of prisoners in Illinois.
The details
Buck was admitted to an outside hospital ICU on September 5, 2026, following the development of multiple blood clots, and remained there for nearly two weeks. He filed his petition under the Joe Coleman Act, seeking early release from his incarceration for the 2001 murder of Detective Kevin Rice.
Timeline
William Buck was convicted for the killing of Detective Kevin Rice in 2001.
Attorney Lyla Wasz-Piper began representing Buck in 2022.
Buck was admitted to an intensive care unit for blood clots on September 5, 2026.
A hearing regarding the medical release petition is scheduled for September 25, 2026.
Legal Context
This petition is filed under the Joe Coleman Act, which provides a specific mechanism for inmates to request release based on severe health crises. The hearing will determine if Buck meets the legal criteria for medical clemency established by this state statute.
The hearing process may involve specific security and logistics planning for the court in Rockford. The resolution of this case will set a precedent for how the state handles petitions for medical release among long-term inmates.
The takeaway
The case highlights the complex intersection of aging prison populations and state-mandated medical care standards. Residents and stakeholders should monitor the hearing to see how the court balances public safety against the costs of providing intensive care for incapacitated inmates.
What happens next
A hearing on the potential release of William Buck will occur on September 25, 2026, in Rockford.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rockfordnewsfirst.
