Accomplice in Ottawa Truck Wash Owner’s Murder Sentenced

The accomplice-turned-key-witness in an Ottawa murder could be out of jail by next Christmas.

According to the NewsTribune Jonathan Beckman was sentenced to 5 years in prison as part of a plea deal. With good behavior and the time he’s already served, he could be released sometime next year.

The 22-year old Wedron man agreed to testify against William Horman in exchange for having his murder charge dropped. He says he was with Horman last April when Horman beat Ottawa truck wash owner Robert Dowd to death and burnt his body.

States’ Attorney Brian Towne said the deal was critical because without Beckman, a body, or a weapon “there would not have been a prosecution.” Horman is scheduled to be sentenced next Friday, he faces up to 60 years for his murder conviction.

Wyanet man headed to prison for arson

Setting fire to his ex-girlfriends apartment will send a Wyanet man to prison.

According to the NewsTribune,32-year-old Jason Ditola has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to arson. He was arrested December, 2014 after being accused of starting a fire at the apartment complex in Princeton of his ex. The fire didn’t hurt anyone and was actually put out by tenants in the complex.

Ditola is already in prison doing time for violating an order of protection.

Gas prices hold steady across the Illinois Valley

It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend so why not take a road trip.

According to GasBuddy.com, gas prices remain largely the same in the Illinois Valley as they were last week. You can get $1.94 gas in Spring Valley, Ottawa and Peru. Many stations in Princeton, Streator and Mendota are still charging over two dollars a gallon.

The average price of unleaded statewide is $2.21 a gallon, the same as a week ago.