Jury Convicts Man of Waukegan Murder
A jury found Donyelle Roberts guilty of the 2018 murder of 51-year-old Terrance Shelton.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted Donyelle Roberts of first-degree murder in the 2018 death of 51-year-old Terrance Shelton. Prosecutors presented evidence including cellphone records and surveillance footage to link the 49-year-old to the Waukegan attack.
Why it matters
The conviction brings a conclusion to a violent case involving multiple attackers and a secondary murder. Roberts now faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 35 years.
A jury returned a guilty verdict following a 4-day trial, confirming Roberts was armed with a firearm during the crime. The defendant is now scheduled for a court appearance on December 14.
The players
Donyelle Roberts
The 49-year-old defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder and firearm possession.
Terrance Shelton
The 51-year-old victim was killed in his Waukegan residence during a violent assault.
The details
Evidence revealed that Roberts restrained the victim and forced him back into his residence during the attack. Although Roberts initially sought treatment for a gunshot wound at a hospital claiming he was shot in North Chicago, police investigation proved this claim false.
Timeline
September 19, 2018: Terrance Shelton was murdered in Waukegan.
January 2019: The person who arranged the attack was murdered in North Chicago.
December 2018: An arrest warrant was issued for Donyelle Roberts.
September 2020: Donyelle Roberts was taken into custody in Racine, Wisconsin.
December 14, 2026: Donyelle Roberts is scheduled for a court appearance.
Legal Context
This case reflects standard prosecution efforts under the Illinois Department of Corrections mandatory sentencing guidelines for first-degree murder. Violent crimes in the region are strictly prosecuted to ensure compliance with state-mandated minimums.
The resolution of this case provides clarity to the community regarding a violent incident that occurred in a residential area. Local residents are no longer impacted by the active investigation as the legal process moves toward sentencing.
The takeaway
The use of digital evidence like cellphone records and surveillance video proved critical in overcoming false claims made by the defendant. This case highlights how forensic technology continues to be a decisive factor in securing convictions for violent crimes.
What happens next
Donyelle Roberts is scheduled for a court appearance on December 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local criminal proceedings, visit the Waukegan Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
