In Peoria yesterday, 57-year-old Robert Ely received a 99-year prison sentence for the 2021 murder of Dr. William Marshall, a respected 92-year-old surgeon. The tragic incident, which also involved residential burglary and the theft of valuable paintings worth over $200,000, occurred on January 6, 2021. Dr. Marshall was found stabbed in his home by a healthcare worker. The loss has deeply affected both his family and the community, recognizing Dr. Marshall’s extensive contributions to medicine and his service as a Navy veteran. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime, considering Ely’s lengthy criminal background.
