Anthony Francimore Verdict 'An Example Of Great Teamwork': Jungles

JOLIET, IL — Rather than testify in his own self-defense, Anthony Francimore opted to stay silent and roll the dice, hoping that the Will County jury would not find him guilty of felony murder for his role in setting up the drug deal and killing of Nathan Ballard. The murder happened five years ago today, on Oct. 28, 2018.

Francimore's strategy backfired. After three-and-a-half hours of deliberating, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Francimore around 8 p.m. Friday on his charges of armed robbery and first-degree murder.

Francimore got mad at Joliet Patch's editor when he saw he was being photographed as the sheriff's deputies put his handcuffs and leg shackles back on. They ordered him to be quiet, and Francimore behaved after that.

A Joliet product, Francimore comes from the 2700 block of Dougall Road, over near Pilcher Park. Will County Judge Vincent Cornelius will send him off to prison in January.

Francimore will have at least five years of time removed from his sentence, getting credit for time already served in custody.

Francimore's co-defendant, the real killer, Elijah "Eli" Watson, according to trial testimony from both the defense and prosecution, is still awaiting his own jury trial. Francimore had arranged a $75 drug deal involving Ecstacy, but rather than supply the drug to Nathan Ballard and his older brother, Francimore took their money and got back in his car and Watson began shooting at the brothers, striking Nathan, ending his life near the Belmont baseball fields, according to this week's trial testimony.

"This particular case is an example of great teamwork," Will County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Dan Jungles wrote Joliet Patch on Saturday morning. "Personnel with the Will County Sheriff's Office worked swiftly and in conjunction with local partners to apprehend the suspects.

"Sheriff's Office personnel gathered enough evidence to formally charge the offenders in this case while members of the Will County State's Attorney's Office were able to present this case to a jury for conviction. I am extremely proud of the work done by all involved in this investigation. Our hearts go out to Nathan Ballard's family as they continue to mourn his loss."

According to Will County State's Attorney spokeswoman Carole Cheney, sentencing for Francimore is scheduled for January 15.

Francimore faces a prison sentence of 21 to 45 years to be served at 85 percent for armed robbery, and 20 to 60 years for murder to be served at 100 percent with a firearm enhancement of 15 years.

This week's murder trial was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Christine Vukmir, Michael Fitzgerald, and Katie Rabenda.

Joliet Patch was the only news outlet to cover the entire trial proceedings.