Updated December 5th 2025
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Incident Overview
Date: April 20, 2025 (Easter Sunday)
Location: Near the intersection of Main Street and Sterling Street, downtown Streator, Illinois (in the parking lot of the 50 Yard Line bar)
Time: Approximately 6:00 p.m.
Summary: A drive-by shooting in broad daylight at a busy downtown intersection killed a 17-year-old male (later identified as Cameron) and wounded two adult males (one shot in the hand, one in the arm and knee). The two surviving victims were treated and released from the hospital on April 22, 2025. The shooter used a 10mm handgun. Shell casings, projectiles, and fragments were recovered. Surveillance footage showed two vehicles fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting.
Pictured: Tyler D. Skerett (LaSalle County Jail booking mugshot, July 2025)
Charges
Tyler D. Skerett, 30 (now 31) of Streator, was publicly named the suspect on April 23, 2025, while still at large. He was taken into custody on July 28, 2025.
Indicted on seven felony counts:
- Count 1: First Degree Murder
- Counts 2–3: Attempted First Degree Murder (two counts)
- Counts 4–5: Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (two counts)
- Count 6: Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
- Count 7: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Armed Habitual Criminal)
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Skerett waived his detention hearing before Judge Michelle A. Vescogni.
- Multiple continuances; a motion in limine hearing remained set for October 2, 2025.
- Jury trial confirmed to begin October 6–7, 2025 after Skerett rejected a plea offer and a final continuance.
Trial (October 7–10, 2025)
Judge: Michelle A. Vescogni Prosecution: Assistant State’s Attorneys Goode and Laura Hall Defense: Public Defender Ryan Hamer
Day 1 (October 7): Jury selection the previous day; trial began with opening statements. Prosecution alleged a targeted drive-by over prior “beef”; the 17-year-old was killed by a stray bullet. Defense emphasized no eyewitnesses, no DNA, no recovered murder weapon, and no forensic link to Skerett. Evidence introduced included shell casings, projectiles, surveillance stills/videos, and Skerett’s prior felony convictions (stipulated).
Day 2 (October 8): Ten law-enforcement and three civilian witnesses testified for the State. Additional photos, videos, and a bus ticket stub (to Colorado under an assumed name) were admitted.
Day 3 (October 9): Four more law-enforcement witnesses; 10 photos, one audio recording, and 16 videos entered into evidence.
Day 4 & Verdict (October 10):
- Defense moved for a directed verdict of acquittal, arguing no gun, no forensics, and only “speculation.” Motion denied.
- Both sides rested.
- Closing arguments:
- State highlighted Skerett’s “murder outfit” (distinctive sweatshirt, snake necklace), incriminating statements (“popped they ass,” taunting messages), matching vehicle VIN, and his flight/disguise attempts.
- Defense attacked unreliable timestamps on surveillance, untested cigars in the car, changing statements by key witness C.S. (who received a deal and was a good friend of Skerett’s), and the refusal of the two surviving victims to testify or cooperate.
- State rebuttal: “Possibilities do not equal reasonable doubt.”
After just under three hours of deliberation (including lunch), the jury returned GUILTY verdicts on all seven counts. Skerett showed no visible reaction.
Sentencing – December 5, 2025
Courtroom attendees: Victim’s family (including the 17 year old’s mother), one injured survivor, numerous investigators, deputies, and local media. Victim’s family declined to give oral impact statements due to media concerns.
Motions: Defense motion for acquittal/new trial denied.
State (Laura Hall) argument:
- Zero mitigating factors; multiple aggravating factors (serious harm/threat to public, extensive criminal history including prior IDOC terms, taunting the victim’s family, no remorse).
- Requested natural life + consecutive maximums.
Defense (Ryan Hamer) argument:
- No prior violent convictions, difficult childhood, mental-health/substance issues, non-involvement in his children’s lives was learned behavior.
- Requested minimum sentences.
Defendant’s statement (highlights):
- Denied being the shooter: “This is not one of my mistakes.”
- Claimed no video or witness showed him with a gun.
- Acknowledged being a “fuck up” but pleaded, “Please don’t give me life.”
Judge Vescogni’s ruling:
- Found zero mitigating factors, multiple aggravating factors (threat to community, criminal history, no remorse).
- Several counts merged for sentencing purposes.
Final sentence:
- Count 1 (Murder): 65 years
- Count 4 (Attempted Murder – one survivor): 26 years consecutive
- Count 5 (Attempted Murder – second survivor): 26 years consecutive
- Count 8 (Armed Habitual Criminal): 10 years concurrent
Total: 117 years consecutive (85–100% service required depending on count) → minimum 109.5 years to be served. Skerett would be at least 140 years old before release eligibility.
Skerett remained stoic, spoke calmly with counsel, and was removed by jailers. He immediately indicated intent to appeal.
Case status: Closed – defendant transferred to Illinois Department of Corrections.
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-Willow Moss
Moss and Ink local 
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