Man convicted in Joliet slaying sentenced to 57 years

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - A man who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2011 shooting death of a man outside a Joliet boxing club has been sentenced to 57 years in state prison.

In a news release, the Will County State's Attorney says 22-year-old Jevon Lesley of Lockport Township was sentenced on Wednesday by Circuit Judge Sarah Jones. Lesley was found guilty by a jury in June.

During the four-day trial, prosecutors contended that during a fight between rival gangs outside the KO Zone Boxing Club, Lesley opened fire.

Prosecutors said 18-year-old Anthony Fearn of Crest Hill whom prosecutors described as an innocent bystander who was not involved with the fight or was a member of any gang was fatally shot as he tried to climb into a minivan to flee the area.