Defendant Sentenced for Murdering Girlfriend

November 20, 2024, Peoria, IL - Today, Walter J. Artis, 28, was sentenced to 72 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the 2023 murder of his girlfriend Alexis F. Boland, 22. The crowd was so large that an additional courtroom was opened to stream the sentencing hearing for family and friends. Around 9 am on April 14, 2023, sheriff's deputies responded to 12300 N. Brentfield Dr. on a report of a female shot. When deputies arrived, they found Boland lying on the floor of her apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. A neighbor tried to save her life by performing CPR and holding pressure over her wounds, but she died at the hospital. On the day of the murder, Artis forced his way into Boland's apartment, pulled out a gun, and shot her multiple times with one bullet hitting her in the back of the head. Artis then fled.

During today's highly emotional hearing, Boland's parents, brother, and sisters all described the past 18 months as a "horrific nightmare" and how Artis ruined so many lives but none more than the children he shared with Boland. The children, ages four and five, often wake up screaming from nightmares and cry out for their mommy, and because of Artis, they will grow up without a mother and father. Boland's family described her as an amazing mother and a hard worker with a huge heart and infectious smile. Nothing will ever bring her back, but they asked Chief Judge Katherine Gorman to give her justice by imposing the maximum sentence on Artis. In handing down the sentence, Judge Gorman addressed Artis, telling him everyone in this courtroom had been affected by his conduct, and there was no one to blame but himself.

In September, Artis pled guilty to First Degree Murder. He must serve 100% of his sentence. Assistant State's Attorneys Dave Gast and Brian Fitzsimons successfully prosecuted the case.

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