WHITE CO.—It was an anticlimactic end to a year-long, nightmare ordeal.

On Monday, August 19, 2013, however, just a week short of a year from the actual occurrance, Danny K. Coston, the man accused of murdering two young people on Aug. 26, 2012, allowed White County authorities to conduct a stipulated bench trial in the case, at which time he agreed to be found guilty in three amended charges of the original nine filed September 4, 2012.

The move was somewhat unusual, but, according to White County State’s Attorney Denton Aud, was an effective way to bring justice in the case of the murders of Jessica Evans and Jacob Wheeler.

At what had originally been a pre-scheduled pretrial conference for that Monday, the bench trial then took place, as opposed to the full jury trial, which was set to kick off with jury selection the next day (Tuesday, Aug. 20).

Aud explained the matter in an Aug. 20 statement addressed to the residents of White County:

“After multiple extended meetings between myself, White County Sheriff Doug Maier, and the parents of Jacob C. Wheeler and Jessica M. Evans, as well as substantial deliberation and thought by all of us, an agreement initiated by the defense was reached in People of the State of Illinois vs. Danny K. Coston. In essence, Danny K. Coston, a 37-year-old male, waived his right to a jury trial and agreed to proceed to what is known as a stipulated bench trial where the defendant stipulates without objection to the presentation of the evidence that the State is

going to present. As part of the agreement, the defendant waived his right to appeal all issues except for the sole issue of the defendant’s failed Motion to Suppress Statements which the State was successful in maintaining use of said statements after a hearing in June. In exchange for his waivers, the State and parents of Jacob and Jessica agreed to proceed to the stipulated bench trial on one count of Frist Degree Murder, once count of Second Degree Murder, and one count of Criminal Sexual Assault; the defendant was ultimately found guilty of all three offenses yesterday (August 19). Furthermore, the State and parents of Jacob and Jessica have agreed to request a sentence of 53 total years, of which the defendant will have to serve a minimum of 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, which is in essence a realistic probable life sentence.

“The agreement to request 53 years, as well as the waiver of all other issues for appeal, was the minimum amount of time myself and the families were willing to accept to avoid the emotional torment of a prolonged jury trial and its subsequent appeal of the multitude of issues that would have been raised on appeal if we had proceeded with a jury trial. This was a non-negotiable amount of time that I was hesitant to extend. I cannot stress how integral the parents of Jacob and Jessica were in the structuring of this agreement. Without their approval or desire for the attained resolution, this matter was going to trial, and we were more than prepared and anxious for that course of action.

“Jessica Evans was a 17-year-old young woman when the defendant took her from her family, her school, and her community. Jessi was a talented artist who loved her family dearly. She had not completed high school and will never enjoy the beauties and pitfalls of adulthood, including getting married and having a family of her own.

“Jacob Wheeler was a 22-year-old veteran that proudly served his country in Iraq on multiple tours of duty without as much as a scratch on him. He was a sharpshooter who loved to hunt and fish, and he learned from his family to always protect others. In exchange for his act of kindness on August 26, 2012, he was unjustly taken from his family and community.

“The obligations of my position mandate that I seek justice, not vengeance. Vangeance is an act from a heated heart; justice is a decision made after patient reflection by the mind. As a young prosecutor with immearuable confidence in the work on this case by the various law enforcement agencies involved, my heart had no desire to engage in any dicsussion with anyone regarding a possible agreement. Nevertheless, after being approached bout making an offer, an idea that was difficult to digest, it was necessary to ascertain from the parents of Jacob and Jessica their position as to whether there was an acceptable resolution that would avoid the inevitable emotional suffering of going through a long jury trial and years of appeals on various issues. As a parent myself, I cannot fathom the pain and suffering they have endured over the last year. I pray that God will one day grant them comfort and hope that the resolution of this case will grant them some level of comfort sooner rather than later.

“I can assure everyone that resolution of this matter is a reflection of the strength of the case and the amazing work performed by the White County Sheriff Doug Maier, his deputies and staff, and the various members of the Illinois State Police that took part in this tragic case. Although I know there will be differing opinions, it was ultimately the right decision and justice has been served. I ask that everyone think of all of the families affected by this horrific situation, pray for those affected, and respect the decision to gain certainty by resolving the matter peacefully.”

Aud stated after the three-and-a-half hour bench trial held before Judge Tom Foster that he didn’t believe the amended charges minimized what happened with Coston.

Coston is set for sentencing Sept. 17.

His girlfriend Candice Brown, who is charged with Obstruction in the case for allegedly lying to authorities about Coston’s whereabouts on that night, is scheduled for a jury trial on her case January 21, 2014.

Many believe Brown was more culpable than just Obstruction in the case, but there has been no evidence presented thus far to indicate anyone was involved but Coston.