Illinois – An Illinois man was sentenced to nearly three decades behind bars after he pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder, according to the State Attorney’s Office. The investigation process began after Illinois authorities responded to a report of a stabing in Feb. at the family’s home.
The incident occurred when the victim’s mother returned home after being contacted by her child’s school about her absence. Upon arrival, she saw the defendant, 32-year-old Demetrous, who had been dating her, leaving the residence. Entering the home, she discovered her child, 9, with multiple stab wounds. The child was transported to the medical center in critical condition.
Investigators determined that the defendant had used an oven mitt to protect his hand while repeatedly stabing the child. He later expressed shock upon learning that the child had survived the attack. “Did you see her neck?” he reportedly said. The defendant must serve at least eighty five percent of his sentence and then will be on probation for three years following his release. He will also have to register as a vioIent offender against youth.
He was arrested and charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder. He was denied pre-trial release by a county judge. On September 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to twenty seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He is required to serve 85% of the sentence, followed by three years of mandatory supervised release, and must register as a violent offender against youth.
After being read his Miranda rights, the mother’s boyfriend reportedly told investigators that the child had been moving around the home in a way that made him snap, according to prosecutors. He said he took a large blade and wore an oven mitt to protect his hand while stabbing her. He then reportedly pushed the girl to the ground and stabbed her multiple times.