Metro-east man pleads guilty to first-degree murder, gets 30-year sentence

A Madison man was sentenced to 30 years in an Illinois prison after he pleaded guilty of first-degree murder in a Madison County Courtroom Tuesday.

Chauncy D. Lucas Jr., 24, had been charged in connection with the May 10, 2023 shooting death of Tyrone Williams, 20 near Rock Springs Drive in Alton.

According to police reports, Lucas believed Williams had stolen from him. He got a ride from Madison to Alton, confronted Williams outside a home and fired multiple shots from a handgun. A second handgun was later found at the scene.

Alton police responded to the scene and were assisted by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services, according to a release from the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office. Lucas later was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager, who is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Gina McNabnay.

“Our prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Tyrone Williams,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said in a statement. “Our hope is that this conviction and sentence can begin to offer them closure.

“The solid work of the Alton Police Department resulted in the prompt identification and apprehension of this defendant. Their investigation paved the way for the successful prosecution of this case.”

The investigation also resulted in a charge of obstructing justice filed against a second defendant, Darryck T. Lewis, 25, of Glen Carbon, who is accused of providing false information to investigators regarding his whereabouts on the day of the shooting. His case remains pending.