A Decatur man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his part in the 2018 murder of a 20-year-old Bloomington man.
In July, a jury convicted Anthony Grampsas of murder in the death of Egerton Dover, 20. Grampsas, who was 18 at the time of the shooting that killed the victim in his apartment on the city’s west side, was accused of driving two men to Dover’s home for a drug-related robbery.
During a sentencing hearing last week, Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Lawson asked Judge Scott Drazewski for a 60-year-sentence.
The crime, said Lawson, “was senseless and it was needless.”
According to testimony during Grampsas’ trial, Dover became the target of a robbery after Grampsas and others who attended a gathering in December 2018 learned the victim had obtained,but declined to share, a large amount of marijuana.
Grampsas wasted a life of potential, said Lawson.
“What we see is an individual, who despite his background and opportunities, chose a lifestyle that is not indicative of any type of rehabilitation.,” said the prosecutor.
Defense lawyer Steve Skelton sought a 35-year term for Grampsas.
During Grampsas’ trial, the defense argued that Grampsas was not with two other men implicated in the crime. Tyjuan Bruce, 21, was convicted of Dover’s murder in August, and Curtis Hairston died in an unrelated Decatur shooting in January 2019.
Grampsas opted to skip Friday’s sentencing hearing. He was in the courtroom long enough to hear his appeal rights delivered by the judge, but then returned to his McLean County jail cell. Grampsas also declined to cooperate with court services staff in drafting of a pre-sentence report for the court.
In her victim impact statement, Rhonda Dover told the judge her son’s death has devastated his family and friends.
In imposing the sentence, Drazewski noted Grampsas’ criminal history dating back to age 11. The defendant’s refusal to attend the hearing showed cowardice and a lack of remorse, said the judge.
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