DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A teen who pleaded guilty for the murder of 15-year-old Tyler Eubanks in 2023 was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday.
Otis Allen, 17, pleaded guilty late last month.
According to an inquest, Eubanks was lured to an abandoned building, put into a chokehold, and stabbed to death in July 2023.
In a statement released at the time, Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel said, "I am at a loss for words with regard to this incident. A teenager was brutally murdered by other teenagers, for no apparent reason. I am saddened for the family of the victim and hope they can eventually find peace. As a father myself, I cannot imagine losing a child and I don’t wish that on anybody."
Since the murder, Tyler's family and friends have kept his memory alive through giving back to the community.
His family is set to give victim impact statements during the sentencing Friday. His grandmother, Tavere Eubanks, spoke to WAND about the sentence.
"It was what the law could allow," said Eubanks. "I mean, in my shoes, it would have been a lot more. But you have to go with what the law allows. So I mean, I just thank God we've gotten to the point and we can move forward now."
A second teen on trial for the murder is due back in court early April.
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