PEORIA, Ill. – A man will spend more than seven decades in prison for his role in the shooting death of his girlfriend in Dunlap last year.
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office says 28-year-old Walter Artis was sentenced Wednesday to 72 years for the murder of 22-year-old Alexis Boland. Artis pleaded guilty in September to First Degree Murder in connection to the shooting, and must serve one-hundred percent of his sentence.
Prosecutors say on April 14th, 2023, Artis forced his way into Boland’s apartment, pulled out a gun, and shot her multiple times, with one hitting the back of her head. He fled and was found later in the day at a gas station in Morton.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Boland’s family described the past 18 months as a “horrific nightmare.” The family testified that the children Artis and Boland had together wake up screaming from nightmares and crying out for their mommy, and will grow up without a mother and father because of Artis’ actions.
The family described Boland as an amazing mother and hard worker with a big heart and infectious smile.
Judge Katherine Gorman addressed Artis at the hearing, saying his actions affected everyone that was in the courtroom, and that Artis had no one to blame but himself.
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