Decatur Judge Sentences Gunman to Six Years in Prison
Donald L. Redmon Jr. received the sentence after pleading guilty to reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence
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A Decatur judge sentenced 18-year-old Donald L. Redmon Jr. to six years in prison following a plea deal involving two separate cases. The sentencing follows an incident on Nov. 2, 2025, when an 18-year-old victim was shot in the lower back.
Why it matters
The sentencing resolves charges stemming from two distinct legal cases, including a shooting incident in late 2025. Charges such as attempted murder were dismissed as part of the negotiated resolution.
Redmon Jr. will serve two six-year sentences concurrently at 50% service time with six months of mandatory supervised release. The court granted credit for time already served since his arrest on March 10, 2026.
The players
Donald L. Redmon Jr.
He is the 18-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery.
Michael A. Swanson
He is an individual involved in legal proceedings who is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 4.
The details
The defendant entered guilty pleas for reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped several more severe charges including attempted murder.
Timeline
Nov. 2, 2025: An 18-year-old was shot near East Lawrence and South 17th Streets.
March 10, 2026: Donald L. Redmon Jr. was booked into the Macon County Jail.
October 19, 2026: Donald L. Redmon Jr. was sentenced to prison.
Nov. 4, 2026: Michael A. Swanson is scheduled for a court appearance.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the standard judicial practice of utilizing plea deals to resolve multiple felony counts concurrently under the Illinois sentencing guidelines for aggravated battery with a firearm. Such agreements are frequently used to navigate complex multi-case filings within the local criminal justice system.
The resolution of this case closes a high-profile investigation into a 2025 shooting incident that occurred near East Lawrence and South 17th Streets. Residents in the area may see a decrease in active police activity associated with this specific case now that the defendant has been sentenced.
The takeaway
This case illustrates how plea agreements are utilized to streamline court dockets when defendants face multiple felony charges. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious firearm activity immediately to local law enforcement to assist in ongoing safety efforts.
What happens next
Michael A. Swanson is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 4, 2026. Sha'ron J. Browning is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 13, 2026.
Further reading
For more on criminal justice proceedings in the city, visit Decatur Violence.
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