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Champaign veteran gets 10 years for 2012 shooting

Posted October 31, 2014 1:01 am

Associated Press

CHAMPAIG - A Champaign military veteran who experts say suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder when he shot his wife has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports 35-year-old Mikal Washington was sentenced after pleading guilty but mentally ill to a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. He shot his now ex-wife in the side several times while she was driving him in their minivan in December 2012.

Prosecutors dismissed a count of attempted first-degree murder in the plea deal.

Three psychologists agree that Washington suffered from PTSD after his military service in Kuwait and Afghanistan. One psychologist says a workplace explosion that burned Washington after his return exacerbated his PTSD.

Washington could be released from prison in about 6 ½ years with credit for good behavior and time already served.

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