ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: CHAMPAIGN COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE MURDER, SENTENCED TO PRISON

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: CHAMPAIGN COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE MURDER, SENTENCED TO PRISON

September 18, 2026

Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that a Champaign County man was sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to murder in a case prosecuted by the Attorney General's office.

Nairobi Williams, 28, of Champaign, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Leequale Key. Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Goodwin sentenced Williams to eight years in prison.

"It is my hope that today's sentence can start the healing process for Leequale Key's family and loved ones, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence," Raoul said. "I am proud of the continued collaboration between my office and the Vermilion County State's Attorney's office as we work to hold perpetrators of gun violence accountable."

In February 2024, officers from the Danville Police Department responded to the 800 block of East South Street in Danville, Illinois where Leequale Key had been shot following a physical altercation with Williams.

The Attorney General's office prosecuted the case with Vermilion County State's Attorney Jacqueline M. Lacy's office.

"We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Attorney General's office to ensure that victims of violent offenses find closure in a timely manner within the criminal court system," Lacy said.

Asistant Attorney General Brian R. Holmes prosecuted the case for Raoul's Criminal Division.