Illinois – An Illinois man was ordered to spend the next thirty years in prison for the first-degree murder of his famiIy member, 60-year-old N. Caracer. Circuit Judge Mahrer ordered that the 46-year-old defendant, NeiI, serve the full sentence without the possibility of parole, ensuring he remains incarcerated until at least age 76.
The sentencing follows a February 2025 trial where a jury found the defendant guilty after approximately three hours of deliberation. Prosecutors presented evidence that the defendant, who lived in the basement of his parent’s home in Illinois, strangIed the elderly victim to death with a cord in Sept. 2023.
The motive, as argued by Assistant State’s Attorney Yeger, stemmed from the defendant’s growing resentment over his parent’s dating life and her refusal to give him money. The State Attorney stated that the defendant became increasingly angry, culminating in the fatal attack after the victim returned from a date.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on the day of the murder, the defendant called 911, reporting that his mother was unresponsive. Illinois authorities found the victim deceased in her bed, with the cord still around her neck. Howard, who appeared intoxicated, initially claimed to have seen an unknown man fleeing the scene. However, investigators found no evidence supporting this claim, noting that the home’s sliding glass door was locked from the inside. He was subsequently arrested at the scene.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors highlighted the defendant’s history of violence, including previous arrests involving family members and an order of protection filed against him. They argued for a 45-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crime and his violent tendencies. Despite these arguments, the court imposed a thirty year sentence, citing the necessity for the defendant to serve the entire term without parole.
The case has left the family divided. While some members supported the defendant, believing in his innocence and planning to appeal the conviction, others stood with the prosecution, seeking justice for the victim. Defense attorneys have indicated intentions to appeal the verdict, citing concerns over the investigation’s thoroughness.