Killer Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Midlothian Man's Murder

Harlandez Meals in his booking mug

A Robbins man was sentenced this week to 25 years in prison for the murder of a Midlothian man, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Friday.

Harlandez Meals, 29, pleaded guilty on Thursday at the Markham Courthouse to second degree murder in the death of Scott Soderlund, 28.

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Police investigation, on the night of July 22, 2010, Soderlund was outside a liquor store in the 3400 block of W. 135th Street in Robbins when he was approached by Meals. The two got into an argument. Meals then punched Soderlund in the face numerous times.

Soderlund was able to run away, but Meals caught up to him on Central Park Avenue, and began punching him again, knocking Soderlund to the ground. While Soderlund was on the ground, Meals continued to punch and kick him until Meals heard police sirens. Meals then ran away.

Soderlund was taken to the hospital. He died from his injuries in March 2011.

Sheriff’s Police detectives interviewed numerous witnesses during their investigation. On April 29, 2013, detectives took Meals into custody. He was charged with murder the next day.