The man shot and killed Monday evening in Ottawa has been identified as Eric S. Clements – and prosecutors said his death was murder.
Thursday, Clements alleged killers were brought into La Salle County Circuit Clerk and presented with charges of first-degree murder.
The alleged gunman Nicolaus J. Phillips, 24, of Spring Valley, would face 55 to 85 years in prison (with additional time possible for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon) if convicted of shooting Clements through his torso with a 9-mm pistol. Bond was set at $5 million.
In a separate courtroom, 21-year-old Chastity A. Furar, of Spring Valley, also is charged with first-degree murder, but is being treated as an accomplice or accessory. Her bond was set at $1.5 million.
Furar allegedly drove a vehicle to and from the scene and supplied Phillips with the pistol used for the murder, prosecutors said.
After the hearings, La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro described the killing as premeditated murder. He disputed unconfirmed reports the Monday night killing was a drug deal gone bad and said the killing was plotted after an exchange of digital messages between the victim and Furar.
The bulk of the information appears to have come from a statement Furar provided investigators. Prosecutors confirmed Phillips also provided a statement, but their case so far is predicated on the statement Furar provided after her apprehension.
According to open court statements, Ottawa police were alerted initially to a minor who fell out of a vehicle. Officers arrived on scene to find a blood trail, leading from Clements driveway to his garage, where he was found in the fetal position but unresponsive.
Navarro said first responders tried to revive him but were not successful. Clements never gained consciousness, nor provided any information before he died, Navarro said.
No fewer than four witnesses heard gunshots and heard the name “Eric” being called aloud, Navarro said. It is believed Phillips called to Clements and discharged the pistol, he said.
There was additional drama in each courtroom Thursday as defendants entered for bond hearings. Both Furar and Phillips entered the courtrooms weeping and Phillips had to be helped into a chair by corrections officers. A person could be heard hyperventilating as he was seated.
As Phillips wilted into the chair, a fracas erupted in the spectator gallery with members with onlookers exchanging profanity-laden statements. Two women were escorted out of the courtroom.
A La Salle County grand jury will consider the multiple charges on Tuesday, June 20. Phillips, who indicated he would seek private counsel, will appear Thursday, June 22. Furar, represented by Ottawa defense attorney Karen Donnelly, will appear Friday, June 23, in a separate courtroom.
