Christopher L. Croom, 31, of Chicago, center, confers with his attorneys Chris Kanthak, left, and Knox County Chief Public Defender Dave Hansen, right, during witness testimony on the first day of Croom’s trial on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Knox County Courthouse. Croom is charged with first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in the August 2014 stabbing of Melvin Buckner of Galesburg. GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
A Knox County jury found a Chicago man guilty today in the 2014 stabbing death of 49-year-old Melvin Buckner.
Christopher Croom was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and a single count of possession of weapons by a felon.
Following the verdict, family of Buckner gathered outside the Knox County Courthouse in celebration. The oldest of Buckner’s six children, Danyell Dunning, said she was grateful for the closure.
“I’m just extremely happy,” Dunning said, crying. “These are not tears of sorrow anymore, these are tears of joy.”
A sentencing hearing for Croom is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. July 6. The 31 year old could face up to 60 years in prison for the murder charges. The weapons charge could add a maximum of 20 years on top of that.
Croom was defended by Chief Public Defender Dave Hansen and private attorney Chris Kanthak. Judge Scott Shipplett presided over the trial.
Prosecution was handled by State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer and Assistant Attorney Generals Robert Hollinshead and Jonathan McKay.
Litigation began in August of 2014 following Croom’s arrest. The trial began last Wednesday.
