By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – A Central Illinois woman pleads guilty to first degree murder in the death of her mother – whose body was found on the side of the road near Funks Grove.

Christine Rousch, 22, of Washington appeared in McLean County Court this morning before Judge Robert Freitag. Rousch, standing next to defense attorney Brian McEldowney, pleaded guilty to the murder of her mother, Theresa Poehlman, 47, of East Peoria, on July 2 near Funks Grove. By pleading guilty to first-degree murder, which is a Class M Felony, Rousch must serve a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, which must be served fully. Once her sentence is completed, she will face three years of parole. Fines could total up to $25,000.

Freitag presented the factual basis for evidence, which explains Poehlman was visiting the area and staying at a Bloomington hotel. She met with Rousch on July 1, along with co-defendant Matthew Isbell, 22, of Marquette Heights. Evidence indicates Rousch struck Poehlman with a tire iron-like object, strangled her, and stabbed her before leaving her to die near the Funks Grove Nature Center. McLean County Police were called to the scene during the evening hours of July 2.

While there has been no specific agreement between the state’s attorneys and the defense, pleading guilty to the first count drops Rousch’s remaining charges in the case. Pleading guilty also means Rousch’s right to a trial has been waived.

Rousch’s sentencing hearing will be on January 31 at 1:30 p.m. and Isbell’s trial date is set for May 7.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].