PEORIA, Illinois — An Illinois man has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal 2023 shooting of a security guard outside a gas station after prosecutors said surveillance footage and cellphone data showed he followed the victim from a nearby nightclub before carrying out the attack.
Lamentae R. Turner, 25, received a life sentence on July 10 after being convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Stashaun Wheeler, 35. Prosecutors said Turner tracked Wheeler from a Peoria nightclub to a Casey’s gas station, where he and another man allegedly opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance Footage Linked Suspect to Deadly Shooting
According to the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office, surveillance cameras and cellphone evidence placed Turner at the nightclub with Wheeler shortly before the shooting in January 2023.
Investigators said Turner followed Wheeler to a nearby Casey’s gas station, where security footage captured Turner and another suspect approaching the victim and firing at least 10 rounds before running away on foot.
When officers responded to reports of gunfire, they found Wheeler suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the gas station parking lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jury Convicted Turner of First-Degree Murder
Turner was found guilty in May 2025 of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon after prosecutors presented surveillance video, cellphone records and other evidence during the trial.
His sentencing was delayed several times after the defense requested continuances. During the July hearing, the judge sentenced Turner to spend the remainder of his life in prison.
Prosecutors said the evidence clearly established that Turner intentionally followed Wheeler before carrying out the fatal shooting.
Victim’s Mother Shares Emotional Statement
One of the most emotional moments of the sentencing came when Wheeler’s mother, Kelly Bond, addressed the court about the devastating loss of her son.
“If I have to spend the rest of my life visiting my son in the cemetery, then the defendant should spend the rest of his life in prison,” Bond told the court.
She also described losing her son as “the most painful experience” of her life and said her family continues to live with the heartbreak caused by the tragedy.
Her statement underscored the lasting impact the killing has had on Wheeler’s loved ones more than two years after his death.
Family Remembers Stashaun Wheeler
In his obituary, Wheeler was remembered as someone who embraced everyday life and enjoyed spending time doing the things he loved.
According to his family, he enjoyed starting each morning with a cup of coffee, playing slot machines, lifting weights and dressing stylishly in his favorite Balenciaga shoes. Friends and relatives described him as someone who loved life and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
The life sentence brings the criminal case against Turner to a close, though the loss continues to weigh heavily on Wheeler’s family.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe life sentences are appropriate in cases involving premeditated fatal shootings? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
