SPRINGFIELD - The jury that convicted Alan Beaman of murdering an Illinois State University student 13 years ago did not hear crucial evidence that could have eliminated him as a suspect, Beaman's defense lawyer argued Tuesday to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Beaman, now 35, is serving a 50-year prison sentence for the 1993 murder of Jennifer Lockmiller, a 22-year-old student from Decatur.

The courtroom was packed with family and supporters of Beaman, who lived in Rockford and attended Illinois Wesleyan University.

Defense attorney Karen Daniel opened her remarks by telling justices "it's plain as day that Alan Beaman is an innocent man."

Beaman had inadequate legal representation during his trial, Daniel argued, that did not follow up on testimony from the state that Beaman had the opportunity and motive to strangle and stab his former girlfriend. The jury also was not told about a potential suspect identified by police as John Doe, said Daniel.

Where was Beaman on day of murder?

Beaman's activities on the day of the murder were once again an issue. A bank receipt places Beaman in Rockford at 10:11 a.m. the day Lockmiller was killed. Two telephone calls placed from Beaman's home to a church where Beaman attended also point to the improbability of the state's theory, said Daniel. Prosecutors believe Beaman drove to Normal, committed the murders, and returned home before his mother came back from a shopping trip.

Daniel, who is with the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University School of Law, said Beaman's original defense team was not aggressive in challenging the state evidence.

The information "was all available - all he had to do was ask the questions," Daniel said.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Blankenheim conceded to Justice Rita Garman that one of the time trials performed by police placing Beaman at home at the time the calls were made was favorable to the defense. That information was disclosed to a grand jury but was not discussed at Beaman's trial.

John Doe was not considered a serious suspect, said Blankenheim, because the man denied to police that he was interested in rekindling a romantic relationship.

Before arguments, family and friends of Beaman said they are hopeful that the state's high court will send the case back for another trial. The group gathered for a prayer before going into the courtroom.

Nancy Loitz, one of Beaman's theatre professors, said she and other colleagues continue to believe in Beaman's innocence.

"I hope that finally someone hears the whole story. The legal system is frightening. It's sad to think how long it takes," said Loitz, who no longer teaches at Wesleyan.

Carol Beaman said the dozen years since the appeals began have been a roller-coaster ride for her son.

"He's cautiously optimistic this time," said Beaman.

Daniel said it could be several months before an opinion is handed down in the case.