Press Release-
James Jacquart, 26, of Wisconsin, has pled guilty to First Degree Murder for the September 7, 2013 slaying of Blayne Benefield in Farmer City. Jacquart was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He will serve 100% of the sentence.
DeWitt County State’s Attorney Dan Markwell and Sheriff Jered Shofner issued a joint statement indicating that the sentence was reached in consultation with Blayne Benefield’s family. Markwell said; “Although no penalty under the law can be sufficient to address the loss suffered by the friends and family of Blayne Benefield, hopefully those who love Blayne may take some solace that his killer has been held accountable and that some semblance of justice has been meted out in the imposition of this 35 year sentence”.
State’s Attorney Markwell went on to say that this conviction was possible due to the diligent investigation and corroborative efforts of the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, Farmer City Police Department, and Illinois State Police. Alex Jacquart, brother and co-defendant of James Jacquart, remains incarcerated pending a May trial date.
The DeWitt County State’s Attorneys office can be reached at 217-935-7810 for further comment.
