Eaton headed for trial, accused in 1997 death of Amber Creek

RACINE (WITI) —  A Racine County judge bound 36-year-old James Eaton for trial on Wednesday, April 16th. Eaton is the Palatine, Illinois man arrested for his alleged role in the death of Amber Creek in 1997.

Eaton appeared in court for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday. One exhibit was entered into evidence -- and that was all. Eaton was then scheduled to enter a plea in the case on April 30th.

Eaton faces two charges in the case: first-degree intentional homicide, and hiding a corpse. The homicide charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The body of 14-year-old Amber Creek was found in the Karcher Marsh and Wildlife Area in Burlington in 1997. The body was discovered by a sportsman in the wooded marsh. For more than a year, the body’s identity was unknown. She was laid to rest with a “Jane Doe” headstone.

James Eaton

Investigators say Creek was suffocated with a plastic bag. The runaway had been beaten and sexually assaulted.

Racine County authorities now believe people who have ties to Eaton could have knowledge that could help their case. They’re urging anyone with information on the murder of Amber Creek to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 262-636-3225. You can also call Racine Crimestoppers at 1-888-636-9330.