Pickrell Pleads Guilty to Murder in Camren White Case

A Springfield man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the April 2025 homicide of 19-year-old Camren White.

Justin L. Pickrell, 24, of Springfield, entered the guilty plea Wednesday, Sept. 9, to one count of first-degree murder. The plea comes nearly a year and a half after Pickrell was arrested in connection with White’s death.

Pickrell was arrested April 14, 2025, following the investigation into White’s homicide. He was charged with first-degree murder and has remained in custody as the case proceeded through Sangamon County Circuit Court.

With Pickrell’s guilty plea, the case will now move to sentencing. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6 before Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Jack Davis. Davis ordered Pickrell to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the law enforcement agencies and local offices that assisted with the case, including the Springfield Police Department, Leland Grove Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Pickrell will remain in custody pending his Nov. 6 sentencing.