A 19-year-old from Normal has been found guilty of the attempted murder of another man who was left paralyzed by a 2024 shooting in Normal.
Demetris Pace, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison following last week's verdict in McLean County court. He was convicted of attempted murder and aggravated battery discharging a firearm, both Class X felonies, and two Class 4 felony weapons charges.
Because of his age, Pace may be eligible for a parole hearing after 20 years regardless of the sentence.
State's Attorney Erika Reynolds said in a press release posted on social media that multiple witnesses placed Pace in the vicinity of the Trader Circle Apartments on July 20, 2024, the night a 20-year-old male was shot. Pace, who WGLT did not previously identify because he was a juvenile at the time, was arrested 10 days later.
The victim, a college athlete who has not been publicly identified, was shot while approaching Pace as Pace entered an apartment uninvited during a birthday party.
Pace is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 30 in Judge William Yoder's courtroom.
