THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION CO STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On July 2, 2024, State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy secured a sentence of natural life in prison for Cloanger Robinson (DOB: 12/21/2001), formerly of Danville, Illinois, for the horrific murders of three men, which occurred at one of the victims’ homes in Danville.
Circuit Judge Derek Girton sentenced Cloanger Robinson to life in prison after a sentencing hearing today. He was found guilty of First Degree Murder of victims Nathaniel Gentry, Anthony Jones and Cordell Reed by a Vermilion County Jury on May 24, 2024. The case was prosecuted
by State’s Attorney Lacy and two of her assistants. The Jury found that the actions of Robinson were exceptionally brutal and heinous behavior, indicative of wanton cruelty, as to all three victims.
State’s Attorney Lacy read a victim impact statement written by Marquita Gentry, the daughter of victim, Nathaniel Gentry. Ms. Gentry wrote, “…prior to his death we were making plans for my son and father to meet for the very first time. Now that will never happen.” In thoughts directed toward the defendant, Ms. Gentry added, “words cannot explain the pain that is in my soul…You cannot undo what you did, but you can become a brand-new person through the grace of God.”
State’s Attorney Lacy also read a victim impact statement written by William Jones, the brother of victim, Anthony Jones. Mr. Jones wrote, “I have faith that restitution will present itself through remorse in the damages brought upon my family, not only in ripping a beloved family member from us, but also in the destruction of our family home.” He added, “The impact is that of what my brother Anthony left with all of those that loved him, through his kindness…he served his country. He served his community in volunteering, and he served his Lord through his faith.”
In handing down the sentence, Judge Girton noted the overwhelming evidence of Cloanger Robinson’s guilt, premeditation and planning. Judge Girton stated that during his 35-year career he had never seen anything as “brutal and senseless.” Directing his words to the defendant, Judge Girton said, “you will have to work very hard to choose to change to be the person your family forgave.
State’s Attorney Lacy expressed her gratitude for the Danville Police Department, the Illinois State Police and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Scott Denton, for their efforts investigating this extremely challenging case. She also thanked the Jury for their difficult deliberations and findings of guilt. She added, “The brutal nature of these murders was inconceivable, especially considering the fact that Cloanger Robinson was related to two of the elderly victims. These innocent victims were lifelong residents of Danville, who loved their community. Their families did not deserve to have their loved ones stolen from them. Judge Girton’s sentence and words to the defendant today were a clear message that unconscionable acts of violence will not be
accepted in our community. I hope the closure of this case helps the victims’ families to begin their true healing.”
