Man shoots ex-girlfriend, paralyzing her, Illinois cops say. He’s prison-bound
A 22-year-old woman with a knife got into a fight with another woman, then her ex-boyfriend shot her, Illinois prosecutors said.
Now, 24-year-old Deandre Ward has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to Peoria County Court records. He pleaded guilty to aggravated battery April 17.
“Although my client is disappointed in the final sentence, we respect the judge’s authority and decision,” Ward’s attorney Yolanda Riley said in a statement to McClatchy News. “My client intends to comply with all conditions moving forward. He is committed to rehabilitation and returning home to his daughter.”
Ward and his girlfriend had recently broken up when he shot her in the back in Peoria on July 10, paralyzing her, the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Court records said the bullet went through her kidney and hit her spine, according to WMBD.
“I’ll never be the same,” the woman said in an impact statement during Ward’s sentencing, according to WEEK.
He struck a deal with prosecutors where his prison sentence would be capped at 20 years if he pleaded guilty, WMBD reported.
Ward received a 351-day credit for time served, according to court records.
Peoria is about a 165-mile drive southwest from Chicago.
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Man shoots ex-girlfriend, paralyzing her, Illinois cops say. He’s prison-bound."
