Judge cites lack of remorse, criminal history in 76-year sentence for fatal Antioch shooting

A Lake County judge on Tuesday sentenced a South Elgin man to 76 years in prison for a fatal 2022 shooting during a robbery in Antioch.

Jonathon Skroko was convicted of first-degree murder in August after a five-day trial in which a jury found him responsible for the killing of Robbie Dickerson, 42, during a drug sale that turned into a holdup.

Lake County prosecutors had asked for a sentence that “reflected the seriousness” of Skroko’s crime, arguing that his criminal history and lack of remorse showed a disregard for public safety, according to a news release from the Lake County state’s attorney’s office.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors said Skroko’s criminal conduct continued while he was in jail awaiting trial.

“This offender attempted to justify his actions and blame the victim for this terrible crime,” said Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart after the sentencing. “We believe the court’s sentence appropriately reflects the severity of his conduct and the risk he poses to the community. Our office will continue to support the victim’s loved ones.”

Codefendant Hailey Miller testified at trial that Skroko told her he intended to rob Dickerson when he arrived at her apartment Sept. 5, 2022, to sell her prescription drug. She told jurors that Skroko confronted Dickerson with a firearm and ultimately shot him twice.

A witness who had accompanied Dickerson to meet Skroko and Miller testified that they called 911 after hearing two gunshots while waiting outside the apartment. When officers arrived, they found Dickerson face down in a bathtub, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the shooting, Skroko told Miller that they needed to flee, according to Miller’s testimony. The pair traveled to various locations in Wisconsin and Illinois before they were arrested two days later at a hotel in Gurnee, authorities said.

Skroko’s DNA was found on the murder weapon, prosecutors said.

Skroko testified that he acted in self-defense, telling jurors that he shot Dickerson when he lunged at him. But prosecutors argued Skroko’s testimony was inconsistent with the physical evidence.

Miller pleaded guilty to armed robbery for her role in the shooting and was sentenced to 24 years in prison, according to court records.

hhorowitz@dailyherald.com