A Sangamon County jury returned a guilty verdict against Dayne Woods on June 26, 2024, in the stabbing death of Dohndre Hughes. After the trial, the jury convicted Woods of First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, and Theft. According to the testimony, Dayne Woods and others planned an armed robbery of Dohndre Hughes. In the early morning hours of February 23, 2018, Woods and a co-defendant forced their way through the back door of Dohndre Hughes’ residence, located at 1915 E. Jackson Street in Springfield. Once inside the men yelled “police!” and ordered Hughes and another individual to the ground. When Dohndre Hughes did not comply, Woods stabbed him in the chest, took money, and fled the residence. Hughes died as a result of the stab wound.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that Woods and a co-defendant entered the home with the intent of committing an armed robbery, and when a struggle ensued inside, Woods stabbed Hughes. The stabbing occurred during the commission of a forcible felony; therefore, the resulting death of Hughes constitutes First Degree Murder under Illinois law. After an investigation by the Springfield Police Department, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Woods and co-defendants with First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, and Theft on March 1, 2018.
State’s Attorney John Milhiser said, “The jury’s verdict in this case should serve as a reminder that if you engage in dangerous, violent behavior in our community, you will be held accountable for the deadly consequences of your actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dohndre Hughes, who this week had to sit through a trial and listen to the tragic details of the end of Dohndre’s life.” Milhiser commended the Springfield Police Department for its hard work in solving this case.
The case was prosecuted by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers. Woods faces 20 to 60 years in prison when he is sentenced by Sangamon County Associate Judge Rudolph Braud on August 2, 2024. Woods remains in the custody of the Sangamon County Jail pending sentencing.
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