Grundy County State's Attorney

10/12/2026

09/18/2026

Come out for a delicious steak sandwich on Tuesday to kick off the Corn Festival and support a great cause!!!! We will be out there all day - rain or shine! 🌽😁

08/28/2026

50 YEAR SENTENCE ON 2024 MURDER

On January 23, 2026 a Grundy County Jury found Chris Nielsen guilty of First Degree Murder after a 2 week trial and nearly 12 hours of deliberation. Today, August 28, 2026, Judge Scott Belt sentenced him to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a mandatory supervised release period of 3 years. This is to be served at 100% pursuant to 730 ILCS 6/3-6-3.

Evidence presented at the trial established that, in August of 2024, Chris Nielsen made numerous threats to cause harm to the victim prior to the murder. The trial also revealed that Nielsen strangled and stabbed the victim before discarding her body behind an apartment building. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Belt mentioned that although the defense argued that there were mitigating factors, he could not find any evidence to support that there were any factors in mitigation that would apply in this situation. However, he did find several factors in aggravation.

Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones as they continue to navigate this difficult loss.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day!

Today, we honor the freedoms we enjoy, remember those who have served and sacrificed, and celebrate the values that unite our communities.

We wish everyone a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

04/03/2026

We will resume regular office hours on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 8am!

03/18/2026

MAXIMUM SENTENCE GIVEN ON 2024 STABBING

On December 18, 2025 a Grundy County Jury found Jeffrey Conley, 53, guilty of second degree murder (Class 1 Felony) pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/9-2. Today, March 18, 2026, Judge Sheldon Sobol sentenced him to the maximum of 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a mandatory supervised release period of 1 year. This sentence is to be served at 50% pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3.

The trial revealed that on August 4, 2025, Jeffrey Conley stabbed the victim more than 15 times during an altercation in their home. Conley was a state appointed caregiver for the victim and resided in the home. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Sobol highlighted that although the facts did not support the defendant’s claim of self defense, he still respects the jury’s verdict. He also noted that there were no sufficient mitigating factors although there were several aggravating factors.

03/18/2026

20 YEAR SENTENCE ON ARMED VIOLENCE IN 2022 REST AREA VIOLENCE

On March 17, 2026, Jairren Williams, 40, pleaded guilty to Armed Violence (Class X Felony) pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/33A-2(a) and was sentenced to serve 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a Mandatory Supervised Release period of 18 months. The sentence for this charge could range from 15-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections to be served at 50% pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3 with a MSR period of 18 months. The other charges that were filed were differed as part of this plea.

On April 22, 2022, law enforcement officers were dispatched to an incident that occurred at the I-80 westbound rest area. One victim was on scene and was bleeding from her head and face. She stated that she was using the restroom at the rest stop when she was assaulted by the offender. She crawled under the stall to try to escape, but the offender broke into the stall and struck her multiple times. The offender struck her multiple times on the head and face with a pistol causing her injuries. Another witness had stated that the same offender tried to assault her immediately prior to him attacking the other victim. While escaping, the offender had kicked her in the left cheek with his foot. Her eyeglasses were knocked off her face, but she was able to grab them and flee the area.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault or violence and is in need of support, you can call the Guardian Angel Community Services 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at 815.730.8984, Guardian Angel Community Services Groundwork Domestic Violence Hotline at 815.729.1228, National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233, National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.646.4673, text “HOPE” to 64673 for the National Sexual Assault Hotline, or text “START” to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

01/26/2026

A two-week long jury trial finished at the Grundy County court on Friday. Chris Nielsen, 45, of Morris was convicted on two counts of First Degree Murder. The jury deliberated

01/23/2026

A two-week long jury trial finished at the Grundy County court today. Chris Nielsen, 45, of Morris was convicted on two counts of First Degree Murder after jury deliberations. The