Collinsville man found guilty of 2020 home invasion and murder

A Collinsville man was found guilty of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon in connection with a home invasion last year.

The Madison County jury found George Lacey, 26, of Collinsville guilty in the death of Darian Woods.

On Nov. 19 of last year, Collinsville police found Woods, 23, dead of a gunshot wound on the floor of his home at a Collinsville apartment complex. Another victim in the apartment had been robbed at gunpoint.

Video of two men was captured by home security system as they walked through a covered patio. The video and physical descriptions of the men released by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis led to Lacey’s arrest and Friday’s conviction, said State’s Attorney Tom Haine.

“Less than one year after this crime, the gears of justice moved swiftly to convict George Lacey of the murder of Darian Woods,” Haine said. “ ... Our prayers remain with the family of the victim — Darian had a very close family which was present in the courtroom throughout the trial — so they can hopefully obtain some closure from this murder conviction.”

Lacey faces a sentence of 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The unlawful possession of weapons by a felon charge is a Class 2 felony, with a sentence of 3 to 14 years.

Ryan Kemper and Luke Yager prosecuted the case.