Eric S. Clements, a 42-year-old resident of Ottawa, Illinois, was fatally shot on the evening of June 5, 2023. The incident occurred outside his home on Marcy Street in Ottawa's south side. Clements was found in his driveway, leading to his garage, where he was discovered in the fetal position and unresponsive. Despite efforts by first responders to revive him, Clements did not regain consciousness and died from his injuries.
The investigation into Clements' death led to the arrest of two individuals: Nicolaus J. Phillips, 24, of Spring Valley, and Chastity A. Furar, 21, also of Spring Valley. Phillips is accused of shooting Clements with a 9 mm pistol, while Furar is charged as an accomplice or accessory. According to prosecutors, Furar drove Phillips to Clements' home and provided him with the pistol used in the murder. The motive behind the killing appears to be related to social media messages sent by Clements to Furar, which allegedly made Phillips jealous.
During the bond hearings, both defendants were presented with charges of first-degree murder. Phillips faces 45 to 85 years in prison if convicted, with additional time possible for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. His bond was set at $5 million. Furar faces 35 to 75 years in prison if convicted, with her bond set at $1.5 million. The hearings were marked by emotional outbursts, including Phillips needing assistance to sit and a fracas in the spectator gallery that resulted in two women being escorted out and barred from returning.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing gunshots and the name "Eric" being called aloud. They described a vehicle, a Kia registered to Furar, which was later stopped by police, leading to Furar's arrest. Furar provided a detailed statement to the police, and the gun used in the murder was recovered. The case is set to proceed with further court appearances, including a grand jury consideration of the charges and subsequent court dates for both defendants.
Chastity Furar has since pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge and is scheduled to appear in court again on September 11, 2023.
