St. Charles, IL – An Aurora man convicted of first-degree murder was sentenced to 125 years in prison after a Kane County jury found him guilty in connection with a deadly 2021 robbery attempt.
According to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Judge David Kliment handed down the sentence to Michael E. James on Monday, following his conviction on nine counts of first-degree murder, armed violence, and residential burglary. Authorities say James must serve the entirety of his 75-year sentence for murder, which will be followed consecutively by a 35-year sentence for armed violence and a 15-year sentence for residential burglary.
Prosecutors allege the crime occurred on December 18, 2021, when James and a co-defendant planned a robbery at a residence in the 400 block of Clark Street in Aurora. According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, both defendants entered the apartment of Edward Smith Jr. and, during the commission of the attempted robbery, James allegedly discharged a firearm, resulting in Smith’s death.
Assistant State’s Attorneys David Belshan, Katy Flannagan, and Tyler Cox presented the case, noting that James was a stranger to the victim. According to testimony, James must serve 85% of the armed violence sentence and at least 50% of the burglary sentence. He was credited with 1,189 days served in the Kane County jail.
ASA Belshan thanked members of the Aurora Police Department, including Detectives Darrell Moore and John Munn, for their efforts during the investigation and trial. Authorities say the sentence ensures James will not be eligible for parole.
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