Murphysboro man sentenced to 31 years for attempted first-degree murder

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (KBSI) – A Murphysboro man was sentenced to 31 years behind bars for attempted first-degree murder.

Edward T. Weaver, 37, of Murphysboro was found guilty of multiple counts including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm following a four-day trial in Jackson County on September 21, 2023.

State’s Attorney Cervantez presented evidence to a jury that on Friday, July 15, 2020, Murphysboro police responded to several reports of shots fired in the area of North 14th Street and Manning Street.

The shooter waited for a Murphysboro man to exit his apartment before taking several shots at him while he was sitting in his vehicle.

The victim was transported to Carbondale Memorial Hospital and then to Barnes for his gunshot injuries.

Weaver was arrested on August 14, 2020.

Cervantez says that the Murphysboro Police Department conducted a detailed investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Weaver.

“Our local law enforcement officers did an outstanding job from the beginning to ensure a successful prosecution,” said Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez. “Gun violence will not be tolerated in this close-knit community.”

Weaver will have to serve 85% of his sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by up to three years of mandatory supervised release.

The Murphysboro Police Department was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services.

State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez led the prosecution.