Shooting Suspect Could Get Life In Prison

While wearing shackles on his wrists and ankles, Richard Felton of Tonica found out this morning he could get life in prison.

La Salle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne thinks Felton is eligible for “firearm enhancements” to his attempted murder charge which means instead of 6 to 30 years in prison if convicted, he faces 21 years to life.  Felton also is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm which carries a sentence range of 6 to 30 years.

Felton’s accused of shooting of 28-year old Jeremy Wade of Grand Ridge in the face late Sunday near the Sandy Ford Bridge east of Leonore.  Wade is recovering at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Towne says Wade is expected to live but says it’s an “incredible miracle” that he survived.  Besides his facial injuries Wade also broke his hip while falling from the bridge into the Vermilion River.

Felton will go before a grand jury for indictment September 10^th and be arraigned September 13^th.  He’s being held at the La Salle County Jail on 3 million dollars bond.