A 41-year-old Galesburg man was sentenced after being found guilty in August of first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and arson related to a house fire that occurred on Feb. 14, 2021. Donald Denniston was found guilty by a jury after a three-day trial for the death of 60-year-old Katrina Hainline and injury to a 50-year-old man.
Denniston on Tuesday was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
The fire was reported on February 14, 2021, in the 200 block of Pine Street in Galesburg. Denniston was captured on video surveillance approaching the residence with a gas canister and then leaving shortly before the fire erupted on the porch.
Surveillance from a nearby gas station showed Denniston purchasing the gasoline. This critical video evidence ultimately led to Denniston’s identification and subsequent arrest.
According to a news release by Knox County State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin, Denniston has a history of prior delinquency or criminal activity with five felony convictions and it was found that his behavior is likely to reoccur.
