A Stillman Valley man has been found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated arson and concealment of a homicidal death after a jury trial in Ogle County.
According to a news release from the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s office, Duane C. Meyer, 42, now faces sentencing in the deaths of his ex-wife, Margaret Meyer, and their son. The trial concluded Jan. 29.
In Illinois, first degree murder is a Class M felony punishable by 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with truth-in-sentencing applying at 100%. Natural life imprisonment is a mandatory punishment when a defendant is convicted of killing two victims.
Aggravated arson is a Class X felony punishable by 6-30 years in state prison with truth-in-sentencing applying at 85%, and concealment of a homicidal death is a Class 3 felony punishable by 2-5 years in prison.
According to court records, a sentencing hearing has not been set. A post-trial motion status date was set for March 13.
On Oct. 19, 2016, the Illinois State Police, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, the Byron Fire Department, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and several other area fire departments responded to a fire at 2020 Silverthorn Drive in Byron.
According to the release, first responders found resident Margaret Meyer deceased and severely burned. Her minor son was also found deceased. Duane Meyer and Margaret Meyer were recently divorced at the time.
Duane Meyer was identified as a suspect and charges were authorized.
“I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their work on this investigation. I am proud of my team, First Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley and Victim Service Provider, Marisol Esparza for their hard work and dedication on this case,” State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in the news release. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their family.”
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Jury finds Stillman Valley man guilty in 2016 deaths of wife, son
Reporting by Corina Curry, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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