MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — A Wentzville man will spend at least 60 years behind bars for killing a prominent Edwardsville attorney in January 2020.
Timothy Banowetz was sentenced to 60 years for first-degree murder and 10 years for two armed robbery charges.
The sentencing hearing began on Friday at the Madison County Criminal Justice Center. At the start of the hearing, the presiding judge said there was an "issue that needed to be addressed". Banowetz's attorney then revealed that he wished to represent himself.
Judge Kyle Napp expressed multiple times that she did not think it was a good idea, but had to respect his rights. She proceeded to ask Banowetz a series of questions to ensure he was eligible to appear pro se.
Napp did allow Banowetz's public defender to sit by him in case he had any legal questions.
With that handled, the question was asked if Banowetz received the presentence investigation. After some back and forth, he mentions changing his plea.
Napp responds, "We're not here today for you to withdraw a plea. The court, in this case, entered a judgment and a finding. After that, it proceeds to sentencing."
Judge Napp told Banowetz that they will proceed with his sentencing, despite his roadblocks or willingness to cooperate.
The court then heard from witnesses and saw the evidence against the defendant. Detectives explained their findings, revealing unknown details.
One being another prominent family in Missouri: the Herschends. They own multiple theme parks, like Silver Dollar City in Branson. They were also among the search for wealthy people in the area that Banowetz could possibly rob.
Victim statements were also read aloud to the courtroom. The judge heard from Randy Gori's ex-wife, father and aunt.
When it came time for Banowetz to make a statement, he said, "It really doesn’t matter. You’re going to give me the maximum.”
"You committed a premeditated, planned, brutal act. You terrorized two children and then you brutally murdered a man and you are an absolute danger to society," stated Judge Napp. "You are correct, I am sentencing you to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections."
Banowetz must serve every day of the murder sentence. Upon release from prison, he will be subjected to a mandatory supervised release period of 3 years.
The armed robbery charges will be served day-to-day, which means every day he spent in custody, he receives a day's credit. They are to be served concurrently to each other, but consecutively to the murder charge.
Banowetz went to trial for killing Randy Gori on Oct. 5, and right before opening statements, he switched his plea to guilty.
The only consequence Banowetz avoided by pleading guilty was the possibility of being sentenced to life without parole had the jury found him guilty.
Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine says it also means sparing the family the anguish of reliving the crime.
The defendant does have the right to appeal the judgment and the sentence, but it has to be Bandowitz because chose to defend himself.
He would need to file within 30 days of today’s date a written motion, listing every reason for the motion.