Illinois – In a deeply disturbing case in Illinois, a 43-year-old man, identified as D. Pace, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery for a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend. The court found that his actions were marked by “exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior, indicative of wanton cruelty.” In addition, the judge ruled that Pace had inflicted severe harm and acted with a level of cruelty that warranted the maximum sentence under the law.
The charges stemmed from a horrific incident that took place on August 19, 2022, when Pace violently attacked his girlfriend at their apartment. The nature of his crime, which involved setting his girlfriend on fire after a heated argument, left her with lifelong injuries. Under Illinois’ “Truth in Sentencing” law, Pace is required to serve at least 85% of his sentence, ensuring that he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison. The harrowing events unfolded after a dispute between Pace and his girlfriend. During their argument, Pace grabbed a bottle of alcohol, poured it over his girlfriend’s head, and then set her on fire. The injuries covered nearly one-third of her body.
Despite the severity of the attack, Pace took further actions to ensure that his victim did not receive medical care. After setting her on fire, he kept her locked inside the apartment for four agonizing days, preventing her from seeking help. The victim was finally able to escape, but by that time, she had already suffered severe physical and emotional damage. She was taken to a hospital, where her condition was described as critical, with burns covering 30% of her body. The medical team’s efforts to save her were not enough to reverse the extensive damage. The victim’s injuries, however, were just the beginning of her suffering. In addition to the physical trauma, she faced profound emotional and mental anguish. The victim has stated that she may never be able to work again, having lost two jobs due to her injuries. She now battles daily pain and continues to struggle with trust issues, a constant reminder of the brutal attack. In her victim impact statement, she shared how her life was irreversibly changed, describing the pain she endures both physically and emotionally.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim’s impact statement was read aloud, detailing how the attack had disrupted every aspect of her life. Judge S. Kouri, who sentenced Pace, had strong words for the convicted abuser. He called Pace an “incredibly violent person” and expressed his belief that Pace was “an incredibly evil person.” The judge’s words were a clear reflection of the severity of Pace’s actions, which were deemed beyond comprehension. Throughout the trial and sentencing, Pace denied the severity of his actions. He interrupted the judge at one point, attempting to justify his behavior by claiming that the injuries were the result of an “accident” during a drug-related incident. He also attempted to shift the blame, stating that the relationships in which he had been involved were “not good on both sides.” However, the court was unmoved by these claims, as the evidence and testimonies painted a clear picture of repeated abuse and cruelty.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Pace had a history of abusing multiple women, with reports of him hospitalizing his victims regularly throughout their relationships. This pattern of abuse was a key factor in the court’s decision to sentence him to the maximum term. On Wednesday, Judge Kouri handed down a 60-year sentence to Pace, which prosecutors hailed as a just resolution for the victim and the community. The judge also commented that society needed a break from Pace, recognizing that his violent behavior posed a significant danger to others. The victim, who had been silenced by fear and pain for years, now has the opportunity to begin the long process of healing, although the scars—both physical and emotional—will likely remain with her forever.
Pace’s sentence ensures that he will not have the opportunity to harm anyone else. His conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of domestic violence and the devastating impact of cruelty and abuse. As the victim continues to rebuild her life, the community can take solace in knowing that justice has been served, even if it cannot undo the horrors she has endured. Pace’s life sentence reflects the gravity of his crime, with the court acknowledging the brutality of his actions and the lasting damage inflicted on his victim.
