Peoria Standard

Today in Peoria, Illinois, Walter J. Artis was sentenced to 72 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the murder of his girlfriend, Alexis F. Boland, in 2023. The courtroom overflowed with attendees, necessitating an additional room to accommodate family and friends who wished to view the sentencing.

The incident occurred on April 14, 2023, when sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at 12300 N. Brentfield Dr., where they found Boland with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by a neighbor to save her life through CPR and applying pressure to her wounds, Boland succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

During the hearing, which was marked by strong emotions, Boland’s family spoke about their grief over the past 18 months. They described this period as a “horrific nightmare” and highlighted how Artis's actions had devastated many lives, particularly those of his children with Boland. The children are reportedly struggling with nightmares and will grow up without both parents due to Artis's actions.

Boland’s family characterized her as a dedicated mother and hard worker with a kind heart and memorable smile. They appealed to Chief Judge Katherine Gorman for justice by urging for the maximum sentence against Artis. In delivering the sentence, Judge Gorman emphasized that everyone present had been impacted by Artis's actions and held him solely accountable.

Artis had pled guilty to First Degree Murder in September and is required to serve his entire sentence without parole eligibility. Assistant State’s Attorneys Dave Gast and Brian Fitzsimons led the prosecution successfully.