A Seattle man suspected in the sexual assault of an Illinois teenager 50 years ago has decided to have his case decided by a judge instead of a jury.

Jury selection was to begin Monday in the case involving Jack McCullough, who is charged with rape and indecent liberties with a child for the alleged abuse of a 14-year-old Sycamore, Ill., girl from 1961 to 1962.

But the 72-year-old McCullough says he wants a judge to rule instead. Open statements are expected to begin Tuesday.

McCullough also faces kidnapping and murder charges in the 1957 death of Maria Ridulph (RIHD'-uhlf), also of Sycamore. Those charges aren't part of the current trial.

Both sides say there's no physical evidence in the decades-old rape. Prosecutors say the accuser is expected to testify.

---

Information from: The Daily Chronicle, http://www.daily-chronicle.com