10-Year Sentence for Shooting in Wheaton

Markeith Williams, 21 of 1100 block of Hunter Street in Lombard, has been sentenced to ten years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for firing a handgun at a Wheaton home and striking an occupant within.

The 10-year-sentence followed Williams entering a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 1 Felony. DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin handed down the sentence.

On Jan. 22, 2013, Williams was allegedly driving through Wheaton when he rolled down his car window and fired one shot. The bullet struck a woman in a home in her shoulder. Williams who was arrested the next day and taken into custody without incident.

“Today Mr. Williams took responsibility for his incredibly reckless behavior that evening,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “Had the bullet fired by Mr. Williams been a few inches to the left, his victim may not be with us today and Mr. Williams would be facing murder charges. Thankfully she has made a full recovery from her injuries.”

Berlin added that the crime committed was about more than just a shoulder injury.

“Individuals have the right to feel safe in their homes and Mr. Williams’ actions that night violated the safety and security of not only his victim’s home but the entire community,” Berlin said.

Williams has been in custody since his arrest on a $1 million bond.

The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office submitted the above information.