THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM THE VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
On December 21, 2024 Joseph Jones was shot and killed in Danville, IL. After an extensive investigation by the Danville Police Department, in cooperation with the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, Derrell Boston was indicted by a Vermilion County Grand Jury and formally charged with First Degree Murder, on January 2, 2025. Subsequently, Mr. Boston was apprehended in Danville, IL
During the continued diligent investigation by the Danville Police Department, new evidence was uncovered, which has negated the evidence against Derrell Boston. As justice requires, the murder charges against Derrell Boston have been dismissed. The newly discovered evidence is being assessed and reviewed by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Illinois Rules of Professional Responsibility and the Illinois Rules of Evidence require the prosecution and the police to continuously disclose to the defense throughout the course of any prosecution any new evidence that is discovered. When a prosecutor knows of new, credible, and material evidence creating a reasonable likelihood that a defendant did not commit the offense charged the prosecutor must remedy the circumstances. Once new evidence is discovered, justice requires, in any criminal prosecution, that the prosecutor in cooperation with the police evaluate the new evidence and determine if the prosecution can move forward to a trial.
As the duly-elected State’s Attorney I am bound by my ethical obligations to act as justice requires. The integrity of any prosecution is the foundation of justice, truth, and fairness.
The murder of Joseph Jones is still under investigation by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office. The public is reminded that in the State of Illinois the charge of First–Degree Murder has no statute of limitations.
THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED THAT CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO PROVE ITS CHARGES IN COURT BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.
NEWS-GAZETTE FOLLOW-UP STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ORIGINAL VERMILIONCOUNTYFIRST.COM STORY
https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/2025/01/06/warrant-arrest-for-first-degree-murder/
