Two of Sheley's alleged accomplices plead not guilty

MORRISON - The brother and cousin of accused spree killer Nicholas T. Sheley pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that they helped cover up the murder of a 93-year-old rural Whiteside County man. Eric A. Smith, 28, of Rock Falls, is charged with being an armed habitual criminal, punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison, and two counts of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, punishable by 3 to 14 years in prison. Joshua J. Sheley, 30, of Rock Falls, is charged with concealment of a homicidal death, punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison. Both men were indicted Wednesday. Because the indictments supersede previous charges, an obstruction of justice charge against Smith was droppe