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Sterling man gets life in first of eight murder trials

A Sterling man accused of killing eight people in two states in 2008 has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.  Nicholas Sheley was sentenced today for the murder of 65-year-old Ronald Randall of Galesburg. Sheley was found guilty in September of the murder, plus vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a news release that the judge’s decision ensures that Sheley will pay for the terror and grief he caused Randall’s family and the community for the rest of his life. Madigan’s office helped the Knox County State’s Attorney with the prosecution.

Sheley has pleaded “not guilty” to killing five other people in Illinois and two in Missouri. His next trial is expected to start early next year in Whiteside County. That’s for the death of 93-year-old Russell Reed of Sterling. 

 

 

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.