STREATOR, Ill. — Tyler D. Skerett, 31, of Streator, was convicted on October 10, 2025 of first degree murder and six additional felony counts in connection with an April 20, 2025 daylight drive-by shooting in downtown Streator that killed a 17-year-old and wounded two adult men. On December 5, 2025, Skerett was sentenced to a total of 117 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted in LaSalle County Circuit Court before Judge Michelle A. Vescogni.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | Updated December 5, 2025
Case Status
- Current status: Closed — convicted and sentenced; defendant transferred to Illinois Department of Corrections (intends to appeal)
- Verdict: Guilty on all 7 counts (Oct. 10, 2025)
- Sentence: 117 years total (consecutive); minimum ~109.5 years to be served
- Custody status: In Illinois Department of Corrections custody
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Presiding/Sentencing judge: Michelle A. Vescogni
- Last updated: December 5, 2025
Incident Overview
- Date: April 20, 2025 (Easter Sunday)
- Location: Near the intersection of Main Street and Sterling Street, downtown Streator (parking lot of the 50 Yard Line bar)
- Time: Approximately 6:00 p.m.
A drive-by shooting in broad daylight at a busy downtown intersection killed a 17-year-old male 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)
Arrest & 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. He was 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)
Evidence & Allegations
Prosecutors alleged a targeted drive-by stemming from a prior dispute, in which the 17-year-old was killed by a stray bullet. Evidence introduced at trial included shell casings, projectiles, surveillance stills and video, a bus ticket stub (to Colorado under an assumed name), an audio recording, and Skerett’s prior felony convictions (stipulated). The State pointed to a distinctive sweatshirt and snake necklace, alleged incriminating statements, a matching vehicle VIN, and flight/disguise attempts.
The defense emphasized that there were no eyewitnesses identifying Skerett as the shooter, no DNA, no recovered murder weapon, and no direct forensic link, and challenged surveillance timestamps, untested evidence, and the changing account of a cooperating witness who had received a deal.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
April 20, 2025 — Shooting
Daylight drive-by shooting in downtown Streator kills a 17-year-old and wounds two adult men.
April 23, 2025 — Suspect named
Skerett publicly named as the suspect while still at large.
July 28, 2025 — Arrest
Skerett taken into custody.
Pre-trial — Detention & continuances
- 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 for October 6–7, 2025 after Skerett rejected a plea offer and a final continuance.
Oct. 7, 2025 — Trial Day 1
Judge: Michelle A. Vescogni. Prosecution: Assistant State’s Attorneys Goode and Laura Hall. Defense: Public Defender Ryan Hamer. Trial began with opening statements. The prosecution alleged a targeted drive-by over a prior dispute; the defense emphasized the absence of eyewitnesses, DNA, a recovered weapon, and forensic links. Evidence introduced included shell casings, projectiles, surveillance stills/video, and Skerett’s stipulated prior felony convictions.
Oct. 8, 2025 — Trial Day 2
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.
Oct. 9, 2025 — Trial Day 3
Four more law-enforcement witnesses testified; 10 photos, one audio recording, and 16 videos were entered into evidence.
Oct. 10, 2025 — Day 4 & Verdict
- Defense moved for a directed verdict of acquittal, arguing no gun, no forensics, and only speculation. Motion denied.
- Both sides rested; closing arguments followed.
- The State highlighted Skerett’s distinctive clothing, alleged incriminating and taunting statements, a matching vehicle VIN, and flight/disguise attempts. The defense attacked surveillance timestamps, untested evidence, the changing statements of a cooperating witness who received a deal, and the surviving victims’ refusal to testify.
After just under three hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all seven counts.
Dec. 5, 2025 — Sentencing
The defense’s motion for acquittal/new trial was denied. The State (Laura Hall) cited multiple aggravating factors — serious harm, threat to the public, an extensive criminal history including prior IDOC terms, and a lack of remorse — and requested natural life with consecutive maximums. The defense (Ryan Hamer) cited no prior violent convictions, a difficult childhood, and mental-health and substance issues, and requested minimum sentences. In his statement, Skerett denied being the shooter and asked the court not to sentence him to life.
Judge Vescogni’s ruling: Found zero mitigating factors and multiple aggravating factors; several counts merged for sentencing.
- 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 indicated intent to appeal and was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections.
All information is sourced from publicly available law-enforcement releases, court filings, and official statements. This case has concluded at the trial level; an appeal has been indicated.
—Willow Moss