Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that a Vermilion County judge has sentenced Gregory Burns, a Kankakee County resident, to 45 years in prison. Burns was found guilty of murder for his involvement in the shooting deaths of two men from Danville, Illinois, in September 2021.
The sentencing was delivered by Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Mark Goodwin. Burns, aged 26, was convicted for the murder of Leslie Fisher, who was 20 years old at the time of his death.
“This sentence brings justice to those affected by this senseless act of violence,” Raoul stated. “I will continue to partner with local state’s attorneys to hold perpetrators of gun violence accountable.”
According to Attorney General Raoul, the incident involved Burns and two co-defendants, Ezell Fulton and Darryl Jordan. The trio confronted four men at a liquor store drive-thru in unincorporated Danville over a stolen handgun. During this confrontation, Burns shot and killed two individuals while injuring the other two passengers. The firearm used in the crime was later discovered in Burns' apartment.
The prosecution was conducted by Raoul’s office in collaboration with Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline M. Lacy's office.
“I am grateful for the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police for their efforts investigating this challenging case,” said Jacqueline M. Lacy. “We hope that this conviction can begin the healing process for the victims and their families.”
The cases against co-defendants Ezell Fulton and Darryl Jordan are still pending.
Bureau Chief Michael Falagario and Senior Assistant Attorney General Brian Holmes prosecuted on behalf of Raoul’s Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau.