By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON – Dewon Griffin faces at least 48 years in prison after being found guilty Monday in connection with a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting four years ago.
A McLean County jury found Griffin, 24, guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and for being a felony in possession of a weapon for the Dec. 31, 2019, death of 17-year-old Tariq L. Houston.Second arrest made in New Years Eve homicide case in Normal.
Because the jury found him to be the triggerman, he faces at least 45 years and possibly up to life in prison on the murder count. The other counts carry a three-year minimum sentence.
Circuit Judge William Yoder revoked his bond and set a Sept. 23 sentencing hearing.
Houston was found lying in a parking lot that was in the 1700 block of Putnam Avenue in Normal. He had been out there for a social gathering. After he was found with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, Houston was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.
Normal police quickly developed leads which led to a warrant being issued for Griffin’s arrest on Jan. 2, 2020. He was found a few days later hiding in a crawl space in a Bloomington house.
State’s Attorney Ericka Reynolds praised the efforts of her prosecutors, police and others for their work on the case. She noted that while nothing could ease the pain of the loss for Griffin’s family, she hoped that the conviction would provide some measure of solace.
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