Rockford Woman Sentenced in Murder Case
Dameria Giwa-Finley received a 20-year prison sentence following a bench trial conviction for first-degree murder.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
A judge sentenced 28-year-old Dameria Giwa-Finley to 20 years in prison for the murder of Diandre Grant. The sentencing follows a 2023 bench trial where she was found guilty of the charge.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process stemming from a domestic incident where the victim was discovered with multiple stab wounds. It establishes the final judicial outcome for the case handled by local law enforcement.
Dameria Giwa-Finley received a 20-year prison sentence for first-degree murder, a 364-day term for criminal damage to property, and three years of supervised release. The Rockford Police Department investigation concluded with a 2023 bench trial guilty verdict.
The players
Dameria Giwa-Finley
She is the 28-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder following a bench trial.
Diandre Grant
He is the victim who was discovered with multiple stab wounds during a 2020 domestic incident.
Rockford Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the investigation into the incident.
The details
Police responded to a domestic incident on the 1900 block of W. Riverside Blvd. where they discovered Diandre Grant with multiple stab wounds and a blood-covered knife nearby. The defendant admitted to slashing tires and arguing before the fatal incident occurred.
Timeline
September 30, 2020: Police responded to the initial domestic incident.
2023: A bench trial found the defendant guilty of the murder.
Legal Context
This case reflects the standard application of criminal statutes for violent crimes within the Illinois judicial system. It follows a pattern set by the Illinois sentencing guidelines for first-degree murder, ensuring mandatory terms for such convictions.
The conclusion of this case brings resolution to a violent incident that occurred within a local neighborhood. Residents can view this sentencing as the final step in the formal police and judicial process concerning the 2020 event.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores the finality of the judicial process following a thorough police investigation into domestic violence. This outcome serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with violent crimes involving deadly weapons.
Further reading
For more on legal developments in the region, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rockfordnewsfirst.
