Prosecutors are seeking an extended sentence for the Western Illinois University freshman accused of shooting his roommate.
Kavion Poplous, who is now 19, is charged with two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Battery, and one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.
He has pleaded not guilty.
McDonough County State’s Attorney Matt Kwacala described this as a case that calls for an extended sentence. He said Poplous shot Amarion Hargrove five times, causing serious injuries.
The state’s attorney’s paperwork, which was filed on February 24, said, “The defendant was armed with a firearm during the commission of the offense, for which 15 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment, if imposed by the court.”
Prosecutors are also asking for an additional 20 years because Poplous discharged the firearm and an additional 25 years because the shooting caused great bodily harm.
The shooting happened in the room Poplous and Hargrove shared in Thompson Hall. Authorities were called to the residence hall shortly after 10:30 p.m. on September 15, 2020.
The university evacuated the building’s residents and housed them for the night at Western Hall, which usually hosts events such as graduation ceremonies, basketball games, and concerts.
Poplous escaped from the scene. He surrendered to police in Chicago the next afternoon. He remains in custody in the McDonough County Jail on $1 million bond.
His next court date is scheduled for March 16.
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