Stateline Area Man Sentenced in 2010 Murder

A Stateline area man has been sentenced to 57 years behind bars after being found guilty of first degree murder in a 2010 killing.

According to a press release, 42-year-old Jeremy Hassenfelt shot and killed James Wyatt in February 2010. Initially Rockford Police were called to the 1400 block of Latham Street, responding to shots fired. However, when they arrived, they saw a pickup truck in the street with an unresponsive driver. Further investigation revealed that Wyatt died as a result of a gunshot wound. Witnesses were able to identify Hassenfelt as the suspect.

Hassenfelt was found guilty by jury for 4 counts of First Degree murder in a trial that concluded in September of 2012. According to Illinois law, Hassenfelt must serve 100% of his sentence.  If he lives to the age of 99 and is released, he is eligible for an extended sentence of an additional 25 years, because a firearm was used in the crime.