DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — A Danville man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Nathaniel Gentry and Cordell Reed in January of 2020.
Terrion Tinsley, 20, was convicted by a Vermilion County jury in January of this year.
"These victims were at home playing cards with each other, having a good time. They were friends who grew up in Danville, who were simply spending time together," said State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy in a previous news release.
The murders happened in the home of Cordell Reed. Evidence produced during the sentencing hearing showed that Tinsley stabbed Cordell Reed and brutally beat and bludgeoned the victims to death.
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Two of the suspects, including Tinsley were juveniles at the time of the incident. The third defendant pleaded guilty to robbery and agreed to cooperate as a state's witness and testify at court against Tinsley.
Lacy stated during sentencing, “Terrion Tinsley had every opportunity to leave 440 Elm Street that night, but he stayed and made sure the job was done.”
Circuit Judge Derek Girton sentenced Tinsley to life in prison.
State’s Attorney Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department and the Illinois State Police Agencies, as well as Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Scott Denton, for each of their vital contributions to this investigation. Lacy said, “These victims did nothing to deserve this. They were innocent, decent citizens of our community.” Lacy added, “The sentence from Judge Girton today sends a strong message to our community that we will not stand for senseless acts of violence. I hope this sentence provides some sense of closure for the victims’ families.”
The third defendant is scheduled for trial May, 2024.
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