Francis Briscoe sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting ex-girlfriend in Danville Walmart lot

DANVILLE, Illinois (WICS) — On Dec. 4, following a blind plea to Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Francis Briscoe, 25, formerly of Alvin, Illinois, was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The sentence was ordered by Judge Robert McIntire and will be served at a rate of 85%. Briscoe will be required to serve a two-year term of mandatory supervised release following his incarceration.

On February 24, 2022, a Danville police officer was dispatched to the Walmart in Danville for a woman who had been shot by her ex-boyfriend in the parking lot.

The police were informed that the suspect fled the scene. Eyewitnesses explained to police that the defendant approached the victim in the store and then waited for her in the parking lot.

The defendant was apparently discouraged by a romantic breakup between the two.

They have two children together.

State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their efforts in this case. She added, “The sentence in this case demonstrates support for the victims of Vermilion County and sends a strong message that stalking and violent behavior are absolutely unacceptable. I pray for the victim’s continued healing not only from his physical injuries, but also from the trauma he endured.”