Published on: November 28, 2024, 09:26h.
Last updated on: November 28, 2024, 09:26h.
A man from Marietta, Georgia, has been found guilty this week for his involvement in a robbery and shooting incident that occurred seven years ago at the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Daryl S. Muhammad, aged 48, was one of three armed individuals who entered the casino, now known as DraftKings at Casino Queen, at approximately 2 a.m. on September 17, 2017. Larry Weber, a security guard at the casino and local firefighter, was injured during the robbery by a man later identified as Muhammad.
Webber sustained severe internal injuries that required two surgical procedures. Despite this, he made a full recovery and returned to work. Additionally, at least one casino patron sustained injuries during the incident.
‘Egregious Actions’
Upon entering the establishment, the men discharged firearms into the air and instructed frightened employees to lie on the ground. According to court records, all three men were armed with rifles. While one individual held the guards at gunpoint, the other two proceeded towards the cashier’s cage. Weber was shot as he approached the cage.
The men took money from several cash drawers at the casino before fleeing with $47,000. This stolen money was later discovered near an abandoned getaway car in East St. Louis, as reported by state police.
The defendant’s heinous actions demonstrate a total disregard for life and the law,” said Brendan F. Kelly, director of Illinois State Police, who led the multi-year investigation. “No matter how much time has passed, ISP will continue to seek justice and hold accountable those who violate the law.”
Muhammad was apprehended in January 2019 in Cobb County, Georgia, by the United States Marshal’s Service. His associates are still evading capture.
Facing 60 Years
Following a week-long trial at the St. Clair County Court in Illinois, Muhammad was found guilty of armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm, both classified as class X felonies, as well as unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a class 2 felony. He could potentially receive a sentence of up to 60 years in prison.
I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated members of the Illinois State Police and supporting agencies for all their efforts that led to this just outcome,” said St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric in a news release on Wednesday.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution,” Gomric added. “Lastly, I want to commend Assistant United States Attorney John Trippi, who served as a Special Assistant State’s Attorney, and Assistant State’s Attorney Alex Starnes for their unwavering commitment in ensuring that Mr. Muhammad faces justice.”