THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On Friday, January 12, 2024, a Vermilion County jury convicted 20-year-old Terrion Tinsley in the brutal and heinous murders of Nathaniel Gentry and Cordell Reed. Tinsley will face a sentence of 40 years to Natural Life in prison at a future sentencing hearing. Tinsley will remain in custody without bond pending the sentencing hearing.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, who prosecuted this case along with two of her assistants, said the evening of January 22, 2020 was a complete nightmare for three men and their families. “These victims were at home playing cards with each other, having a good time. They were friends who grew up in Danville, who were simply spending time together.”
On January 23, 2020, Danville Police responded to 440 Elm Street after a 911 call by a family member who found victims, Nathaniel Gentry, Anthony Jones and Cordell Reed, Sr., all deceased inside Mr. Reed’s home. First responders found the three victims stabbed and brutally beaten.
Two of the suspects, including Tinsley were juveniles at the time of the incident. One defendant is still awaiting trial. The third defendant plead guilty to robbery and agreed to cooperate as a state’s witness and testify at court to assist the prosecution in securing the conviction for Tinsley.
Testimony at trial indicated that the three defendants were invited into the home on Elm Street by the owner of the home, Cordell Reed, Sr. Once invited in, they planned to steal some weed in the victims’ possession. Tinsley and his co-defendants entered the home wearing latex gloves under knit gloves.
In the early stages of the investigation, a detective with the Danville Police Department was alerted by a citizen who located three pairs of latex gloves inside of knit gloves that appeared to have been discarded in storm drains less than two blocks from the crime scene. The gloves, along with multiple pieces of seized evidence, were sent to the Illinois State Police (ISP) Crime Lab ISP forensic scientist Jennifer Aper testified that DNA from Tinsley was found inside one of the latex gloves.
Evidence presented by Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Scott Denton, showed that all three victims died as a result of multiple stab wounds and multiple injuries of blunt force trauma.
Lacy expressed her appreciation to the jury for their service. “The jury’s verdict of guilty against Terrion Tinsley sends a strong message that the people of Vermilion County are tired of the senseless violence. The jury spoke for the victims today.” She added, “Without the cooperation of these brave witnesses, the Danville Police Department and the Illinois State Police, this prosecution would not have been possible.”
The third defendant is scheduled for trial in May, 2024.
News story here.
