Kiejoun Watts, 20, of Bloomington, Illinois, was found shot to death on February 20, 2023, on the property of Victory Church at 18180 U.S. 150 in rural McLean County. McLean County deputies discovered his body after responding to a report of unusual activity at the site. Investigators searched for a black 2015 Lincoln MKZ; that vehicle was located on February 27, 2023.

Desmond S. Sterling, 23, of Bloomington, was arrested and later tried for Watts’ murder. Prosecutors said Sterling lured Watts behind the church under the pretense of a firearm sale and friendship, then shot him in the head. At a three-day bench trial in early March 2023 Judge William Yoder found Sterling guilty of first-degree murder; prosecutors relied on surveillance video and smartphone evidence to link him to the crime. No forensic evidence tying Sterling directly to the shooting was reported.

On May 2, 2024 Judge Yoder sentenced Sterling to 75 years in prison, describing the killing as an execution. Watts’ mother, Talaina Matthews, gave an emotional victim impact statement. Prosecutors showed a TikTok video Sterling had shared that appeared to mock Watts’ family; defense counsel cited serious mental health issues and urged a 45-year sentence.

Did anyone who knew Kiejoun or saw activity near Victory Church in February 2023 notice anything that could help fill gaps in the timeline?