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Second Life Sentence for Nicholas Sheley

Convicted murderer Nicholas Sheley has received his second life sentence. Sheley was sentenced Wednesday to natural life in prison without parole for the 2008 murder of 93-year-old Russell Reed of Sterling.

Judge F. Michael Meersman also sentenced Sheley to an additional 30 years for home invasion and 15 years for residential burglary. A Whiteside County jury found Sheley guilty on all three counts in November. Judge Meersman also denied Sheley’s motion for a new trial.

Reed was one of eight people Sheley is accused of murdering during a two-state killing spree in late June 2008. He was already sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 65-year-old Ronald Randall of Galesburg. His next trial is set for June: that’s for the slayings of four people, including a two-year-old, in a Rock Falls apartment. He’s also accused of killing an Arkansas couple in Missouri.  

Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued the following statement after Wednesday’s sentencing. Her office assisted in prosecuting Sheley.

Life in prison is the only appropriate sentence under Illinois law for these heinous crimes. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Reed, who sadly was one of many victims of Nicholas Sheley’s senseless killing spree. Today’s sentencing ensures that Nicholas Sheley will continue to pay for his actions for the remainder of his life.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.
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