According to Chris Kaergard of the Peoria Journal Star, Peoria native Phouvone Sophanavong had his 55 year murder sentence overturned this past Thursday based on a technicality. Sophanavong kidnapped his estranged wife Laongdao Phangthong in November of 2013, and her body was discovered the day after the kidnapping in the parking garage of the OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. After a violent standoff with police in which Sophanavong shot himself in the chest twice, he was arrested and taken into custody. In 2014 he plead guilty to the murder of Phangthong, although he continually tried to recant that plea on the basis that he had ineffective council. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison, but there was a mistake during the plea process that has now proved very costly to the prosecution: The Judge was not given information on how Sophanavong’s prior arrests and criminal cases were resolved, which theoretically would have affected his sentencing. Because of this, the 3rd district Appellate court ruled that Sophanavong’s sentence should be overturned and returned to the trial court in Perkin for review and sentencing.

This result is unfortunate to say the least. This isn’t a case of an oppressive court stealing a mans freedom away based on little evidence or a case of oppressive sentencing. This man seemingly did murder Laongdao Phangthong, and it is only a technicality that has provided him with a brief reprieve. My heart goes out to the victim and her family, who probably were shocked upon hearing this news. Even if Sophanavong is given a similar sentence, it’s unfortunate the family will have to relive something that has likely caused them incredible grief and trauma.