Deundrea S. Holloway, an Illinois man, was sentenced to 60 years in state prison last week after pleading guilty to the brutal murder and beheading of his nearly eight-month pregnant girlfriend, Liese A. Dodd, in June 2022. The Holloway’s sentence includes 30 years for first-degree murder, 20 years for intentional homicide of a fetus and 10 years for concealment of a homicidal death, all to be served consecutively.
The gruesome case, which shocked the small town of Alton, Illinois, suffered significant delays as Holloway underwent months of treatment in a state institution after being deemed mentally unfit to stand trial. To further complicate matters, an Illinois Supreme Court ruling determined that the murder of a mother and her unborn child cannot be treated as multiple murders for sentencing purposes. EdGlen today news.
Dodd, 22, was found decapitated on June 9, 2022, when her mother, worried about not hearing from her, visited her home in the 3400 Bolívar block. Inside, she discovered her daughter’s decapitated body. Dodd’s head was later located in a trash container outside the apartment.
Former Alton Police Chief Marcus Pulido described the crime as “absolutely terrible” and “beyond reprehensible.” He stated: “She was savagely, savagely murdered according to The Alton Telegraph. She was beheaded. Decapitated by a fucking wild monster. “His unborn child also died as a result of this.”
Pulido also noted that Dodd and her family were planning a baby shower when the tragedy occurred. Holloway and Dodd had been in an on-off relationship before the murder. Following his conviction, Holloway must serve at least 52 years of his sentence before being eligible for release, meaning he will be in prison until at least age 77.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine issued a statement after the sentencing, acknowledging the emotional toll on Dodd’s family. “For Liese’s family and loved ones, these types of issues have caused continued distress and uncertainty. “This guilty conviction puts an end to that,” he said.
“Our hope is that this conviction and sentence will provide the family and loved ones with some security and be a step toward healing.” Haine praised the family’s strength and courage and emphasized that the resolution spared them the additional trauma of a trial. The case remains a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. TO GoFundMe Because Dodd’s family has raised nearly $16,000 since his murder.