41 years given in kidnapping, murder

EDWARDSVILLE -- A judge says a Missourian accused of kidnapping and fatally beating a southern Illinois man whose body was found last year on a vacant Missouri lot should spend 41 years in prison.

Madison County Judge James Hackett ordered Kevin Scott to serve 34 years for a murder conviction and seven years for aggravated kidnapping, with the sentences to run back to back.

Scott was convicted during a bench trial in October.

Authorities believe 41-year-old Earnest Walker of Alton killed in February of last year at the Alton home of one of the suspects. Police say his body was found later in Missouri.

Investigators say Walker's throat had been cut.

One other defendant already pleaded guilty in January and is serving a 28-year sentence. Trials are pending for two other suspects.