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Case Overview: People of the State of Illinois v. Nicolaus J. Phillips and Chastity A. Furar

In June 2023, a targeted shooting in Ottawa, Illinois, claimed the life of Eric S. Clements, leading to the arrests of Nicolaus J. Phillips and Chastity A. Furar. Charged with first-degree murder, the co-defendants face allegations of a premeditated act driven by jealousy and personal ties. As their separate trials approach in 2026, legal battles over evidence and suppressed confessions shape a complex case that has gripped La Salle County.

Updated for Phillips on 12-10-2025

Updated for Furar on 12-10-2025

In the early summer of 2023, a tragic shooting in the quiet town of Ottawa, Illinois, shattered a community and led to the arrests of two individuals accused of orchestrating a premeditated murder. The case, unfolding in La Salle County Circuit Court, centers on the death of 42-year-old Eric S. Clements, who was gunned down outside his home. Nicolaus J. Phillips, the alleged shooter, and Chastity A. Furar, his girlfriend and purported accomplice, face serious charges in what prosecutors describe as a calculated act driven by personal animosity. As co-defendants, their cases are intertwined but proceeding separately, marked by legal battles over evidence, multiple trial delays, and high-stakes implications for both. With trials looming in September 2025, the proceedings highlight themes of jealousy, accountability, and the complexities of criminal interrogation.

The Incident and Initial Investigation

On the evening of June 5, 2023, Eric Clements was found unresponsive in the driveway of his residence in the 1000 block of Marcy Street, Ottawa, curled in a fetal position after being shot multiple times in the torso with a 9mm pistol. Despite rapid response from emergency services, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The shooting appeared targeted, with no signs of robbery or random violence. Investigators quickly pieced together evidence pointing to a personal motive: Clements had recently contacted Furar via social media, which allegedly enraged Phillips, Furar’s boyfriend at the time. Reports suggest Furar was Clements’ ex-girlfriend, adding a layer of relational tension that prosecutors argue fueled the crime.

Within days, on June 8, 2023, authorities arrested Phillips, then 24, of Spring Valley, and Furar, then 21, also of Spring Valley (though sometimes listed with an Ottawa address), during a traffic stop. Digital messages exchanged between Clements and Furar were cited as evidence of premeditation, with Furar allegedly providing Phillips with the firearm and driving him to and from the scene in a getaway vehicle. Phillips is accused of pulling the trigger, while Furar faces charges under a theory of accountability for her role in facilitating the act. Both provided statements to investigators early on, though these would later become points of contention in court.

Charges and Potential Penalties

The La Salle County grand jury indicted both defendants on June 20, 2023, charging them with three counts of first-degree murder each. Phillips faces additional counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, stemming from his prior criminal record, which elevates his potential sentence. If convicted of murder with a firearm, he could face 45 to 85 years in prison, with the possibility of further time added for the weapons charge—effectively a life sentence given his age. Furar, charged as an accomplice, could receive an extended term of up to 75 years, reflecting the prosecution’s view of her integral role in the planning and execution.

During initial detention hearings, emotions ran high: both defendants were seen weeping in court, and a disturbance in the spectator gallery led to two women being escorted out. Bond was set at $5 million for Phillips and $1.5 million for Furar, and both have remained in custody at the La Salle County Jail since their arrests, unable to post bail.

Key Proceedings and Legal Developments

The cases have progressed slowly through the court system, presided over by Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr., with multiple continuances due to evidentiary disputes and scheduling issues. Early on, prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime, relying heavily on Furar’s statement to investigators and corroborating details from Phillips. However, a significant turning point came in May 2025 when Phillips successfully moved to suppress his confession.

The contested statement occurred during a June 14, 2023, interrogation by La Salle Police Detective Sgt. Brian Camenisch. Phillips, already in custody on unrelated charges, had invoked his right to counsel, but the conversation allegedly shifted to the Clements shooting. Defense attorneys argued that police violated Phillips’ Miranda rights by steering the discussion without a lawyer present, describing it as an improper nudge rather than a voluntary reinitiation by Phillips. Judge Ryan agreed, ruling the confession inadmissible on May 19, 2025, after reviewing the taped interview in chambers. This ruling dealt a blow to the prosecution, as the statement had been a key piece of evidence.

Furar’s case has seen similar delays. Her trial was indefinitely continued in May 2025 but later rescheduled. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and their attorneys have filed various motions, including requests to suppress evidence and challenges to the strength of the state’s case without Phillips’ now-excluded confession.

Current Status and Outlook

As of August 13, 2025, both trials remain pending, with no reported outcomes or further delays beyond the scheduled dates. Phillips’ jury trial is set to begin on September 8, 2025, following a final pretrial conference on September 5.

Furar’s trial is slated for September 29, 2025, allowing the cases to proceed sequentially to avoid overlapping juries or evidentiary conflicts. A final Pre-Trial Conference is on the docket for September 19th 2025. Prosecutors, led by La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro, continue to build their case on circumstantial evidence, witness statements, and digital records, while the defense for both argues for reasonable doubt, particularly in light of the suppressed confession.

This case underscores the challenges of prosecuting joint defendants in a high-profile homicide, where personal relationships and procedural rights play pivotal roles. As the trials approach, the community awaits resolution in a matter that has lingered for over two years, potentially bringing closure to Clements’ family while determining the fates of Phillips and Furar.

UPDATE on Phillip’s supposed 1st day of Trial on September 8th 2025. Last minute this morning, Phillips decided NOT to go to trial in front of a Jury of his peers, and instead chose a Bench Trial in front of the Honorable Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. According to court records “The Court admonishes the Defendant” for his decision ( and probably the bureaucratic nightmare he just caused ), which has me question why he chose a last-minute bench trial. His next Status Hearing is currently scheduled for October 15th 2025, which would put any Bench Trial dates for Phillips AFTER his Co-Defendant Chastity Furar’s Trial, currently scheduled for September 29th 2025.

Hearing was held on October 15th with Defense Attorney Ryan Hamer requesting additional time to file motions and requests, next Status Hearing scheduled for December 3rd 2025. His Bench Trial has now been scheduled for March 5th 2026 and it is stated he will be claiming self-defense.

UPDATE on Furar

What was supposed to be the ‘we’re all ready for trial’ hearing, turned into the Defense requesting additional time to file motions, specifically to further investigate the following:

• The Defense claims Furar’s rights were violated when surveillance footage was collected by the Ottawa Police Department.
• The Defense claims Furar’s rights were violated during the traffic stop during which she was placed in custody as well.
• The Defense claims Furar was illegally questioned after she had requested to be represented by legal counsel.

A hearing for Status has been scheduled for January 16th 2026.

This makes it likely that neither of the trials could still happen in 2025.

-Willow Moss