Bench trial set for Bloomington man facing murder charges

The McLean County Law and Justice Center at 104 W. Front Street in Bloomington. (WJBC file photo)

By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – A 23-year-old man facing first-degree murder charges for a deadly Bloomington shooting will stand trial early next year.

Desmond Sterling will have a bench trial on Feb. 26 for his alleged involvement in the murder of 20-year-old Kiejoun Watts.

A bench trial means there will be no jury to hear the case.

Police arrested Sterling back in June after Watts’ body was found behind a Bloomington church in February.

A motion hearing is also set for Jan. 24.

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