Joliet, Illinois – A man has been found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Joliet in 2018. Anthony Francimore, 25 years old, was convicted on Friday for his role in the killing of 20-year-old Nathan Ballard. Prosecutors stated that Francimore had arranged a drug deal with Ballard for ecstasy, which ultimately led to the fatal shooting.
The tragic incident took place on October 28, 2018. Francimore and his accomplice, Elijah Watson, had planned to rob Ballard of $75 by pretending to sell him drugs. When Ballard attempted to prevent them from leaving with the money, Watson allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Ballard in the chest.
After stealing the cash, Francimore used the money to purchase drugs from Watson, before the two fled the town to evade arrest. However, they were apprehended the following day in the Lawndale neighborhood. The state’s attorney confirmed that Francimore and Watson were found and taken into custody.
Sentencing for Francimore is scheduled for January 15, 2024. He could face a sentence ranging from 20 to 60 years for the murder charge and 21 to 45 years for the armed robbery charge. Watson, on the other hand, faces additional charges for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, with his trial set to begin on January 8.
The conviction of Anthony Francimore serves as a way to bring closure to the victim’s family and the community affected by this senseless act of violence. The court’s decision indicates that the justice system is committed to holding accountable those who commit such heinous crimes.
It is important to remember and honor the life of Nathan Ballard, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in this incident. The community must continue to work towards preventing similar crimes and creating a safer environment for all its residents.
In conclusion, Anthony Francimore has been found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the 2018 fatal shooting of Nathan Ballard in Joliet, Illinois. He awaits sentencing, while his accomplice, Elijah Watson, will face additional charges. This verdict represents a step towards justice for the victim and a message that such acts will not go unpunished.
