Kiejoun Watts, a 20-year-old from Bloomington, Illinois, was found dead on February 20, 2023, on the property of Victory Church in rural Bloomington. His body was discovered by McLean County sheriff’s police responding to a report of unusual activity at the location, 18180 U.S. 150. Watts had been shot to death.
The investigation into Watts' death involved a search for a black 2015 Lincoln MKZ sedan, which was later found on February 27, 2023. Despite the vehicle being located, no arrests had been made at that time.
Desmond S. Sterling, a 23-year-old Bloomington man, was eventually identified as the suspect and was arrested in connection with Watts' murder. Sterling was accused of shooting Watts in the head behind Victory Church under the guise of a firearm sale and friendship. During his trial, prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance video and smartphone technology that linked Sterling to the crime. Despite the lack of forensic evidence tying Sterling directly to the crime, the defense's argument that the state's evidence was insufficient was not persuasive.
Sterling opted for a bench trial instead of a jury trial and was found guilty of first-degree murder by Judge William Yoder in early March 2023. The trial lasted three days and included closing arguments on the day of the verdict.
On May 2, 2024, Sterling was sentenced to 75 years in prison by Judge William Yoder. The sentencing hearing was emotional, with Watts' mother, Talaina Matthews, delivering a victim impact statement expressing her grief and calling for Sterling to be kept in prison for the rest of his life. The judge described the shooting as an "execution" and noted that Sterling had taunted Watts' family. Sterling's sentence includes a 50-year term plus an additional 25 years because he was found to be the actual triggerman, as required by a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
During the sentencing, prosecutors presented a TikTok video that Sterling had shared, which appeared to mock Watts' family. Sterling's attorneys argued for the minimum sentence of 45 years, citing his significant mental health issues and potential for rehabilitation, but this was not accepted by the judge.
