EDWARDSVILLE, IL – In a grave resolution to a disturbing case, Deundrea S. Holloway, 25, received a 60-year prison sentence for the murder of Liese A. Dodd, his 22-year-old pregnant girlfriend. This sentence by the Madison County Circuit Court also accounted for the intentional homicide of an unborn child and the concealment of a homicidal death. Holloway will be required to serve at least 52 years before eligibility for parole.
The horrifying crime, committed on June 9, 2022, resulted in the tragic death of Dodd in her own home in Alton, Illinois. Responding to a terrifying call from Dodd’s mother, the local police were confronted with a gruesome scene: Dodd had been decapitated, her head callously discarded in a dumpster nearby. This brutal act has left an indelible mark on her family and the community, grappling with the senseless nature of the violence.
Before reaching trial, the case experienced significant delays due to evaluations that initially deemed Holloway mentally unfit to stand trial. His mental health evaluations necessitated spending months in a state institution, delaying the judicial process. Additionally, the case was entangled with legal complexities following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that affected how charges were categorized in incidents involving pregnant victims.
Despite these challenges, the trial culminated without necessitating a jury, thereby sparing Dodd’s family from reliving the details of the traumatic events. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine highlighted the strength of the family during these proceedings, praising their fortitude. “The trial was a crucial step in their journey towards healing,” Haine remarked, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by the victim’s loved ones.
Reflecting on the nature of the crime, former Alton Police Chief Marcus Pulido expressed his horror, labeling the murder as an extraordinarily cruel act that stands out even in his long career in law enforcement. “The atrocity committed against Miss Dodd and her unborn child was barbaric, shocking the community and everyone who encountered this case,” Pulido said.
Holloway and Dodd had shared a turbulent relationship for two years, characterized by repeated breakups and reconciliations. Their tragic relationship trajectory had traumatic consequences not only for Dodd but also for her family, who were preparing for a celebration of new life at a baby shower that was never held.
Beyond the tragic personal loss, the case poses broader questions about mental health and crime, the layers of legal complexities in prosecuting cases involving unborn victims, and the measures needed to prevent such violent crimes. With Holloway’s sentencing, a measure of justice may have been served, but the echoing impact of the crime on Dodd’s family and the community continues to provoke discussions on legal reforms and support systems.
As Holloway begins his lengthy sentence, the broader implications of this case resonate beyond the confines of Madison County, stressing ongoing societal challenges in addressing and mitigating severe criminal acts and supporting the survivors left behind.