A McLean County jury has convicted a Bloomington man of first-degree murder for a fatal shooting on New Year's Eve 2019.
Prosecutors say Dewon Griffin, who is now 24, was arrested in January 2020 while hiding in a makeshift crawlspace at a Bloomington residence. He was charged in the fatal shooting of Tariq Houston, 17, of Springfield, at an apartment complex on Putnam Avenue in northwest Normal.
Normal Police said at the time the shooting was tied to a dispute at a party and was an isolated incident.
A jury also convicted Griffin on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, following the trial that began last week.
“It is important to acknowledge those who stepped up to assist the police to ensure that Griffin was held accountable for his actions,” McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds said in a statement. “Due to their courage, the streets of McLean County are much safer. While nothing we do in the courtroom will ease the pain of the loss of a loved one, it is our hope that this will provide some peace to the victim’s family and friends.”
Griffin faces up to 48 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 23. A second person served prison time for his role in the incident.
Garrett Riley Ahlfield, 23, pleaded guilty in 2021 to several weapons charges. Authorities said Ahlfield walked up to a crowd and fired five rounds from a handgun into the area and then fled on foot.
