CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — William Wesley, 26, of Champaign, was sentenced to 60 years in prison today after being found guilty of First Degree Murder in the July 2023 shooting of Marcus Catchings Jr.
Catchings, 29, was discovered on July 3, 2023, with a gunshot wound to the back of his head in a stairwell at his apartment complex on the 2500 block of West Springfield Avenue. Ring doorbell footage showed Wesley arriving at the building with Catchings, then later leaving alone, carrying a duffle bag. Catchings’ Jeep was also reported missing from the parking lot.
According to investigators, Catchings had recently returned from California after purchasing more than $25,000 worth of cannabis. Witnesses and surveillance footage helped identify Wesley as the individual seen leaving with the duffle bag. Police later connected him to the missing vehicle.
Wesley was convicted by a Champaign County jury on July 25, 2025. During Friday’s sentencing hearing, emotional victim impact statements were delivered by Catchings’ mother and the mother of his children.
Wesley must serve 100% of his 60-year sentence under Illinois law.
