Bloomington, IL: Judge: No sentence reduction for man who killed ex-girlfriend

By Edith Brady-Lunny | eblunny@pantagraph.com | Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 12:50 pm |
BLOOMINGTON -- A judge rejected arguments Tuesday that the 53-year prison sentence for Dennis McMillian for the 2008 murder of Angel Neal is excessive and should be reduced.
Defense lawyer Ron Lewis said McMillian took steps to address his alcoholism and bipolar disorder but did not receive medication that could have altered the course of events in Neal's apartment in Normal on Aug. 28, 2008.
McMillian was involved in a treatment program and had asked to see a psychiatrist about medication days before Neal's death, said the public defender.
Lewis said McMillian told him Tuesday that after several months in prison, "he's doing the best he can."
First Assistant State's Attorney Kim Campbell told McLean County Judge Scott Drazewski that McMillian's mental health and family issues were taken into consideration at sentencing. She asked that the motion for a reduced sentence be denied.
Injured in the attack was Neal's son, now 17, who allegedly was cut across the chest by McMillian before the boy ran for help.
McMillian, 48, had been drinking the night he stabbed his 34-year-old former girlfriend more than 50 times during a disagreement over a phone call, according to prosecutors.
In his remarks denying the defense request, Drazewski said McMillian's bad choices contributed to Neal's death. McMillian chose to consume alcohol and violate an order of protection by being in Neal's home, said the judge.
McMillian will file an appeal, said Lewis.