Mathis Headed for Prison After Violating Probation

Effingham resident Kristy Mathis has become the third person to be sentenced to prison in connection with the July 2011 disappearance and death of Joseph Delaney of Effingham.

The 41-year-old Mathis was sentenced Monday to 2-1/2 years in prison, following her admission to a petition to revoke probation, alleging her use of an illicit substance. Mathis was originally sentenced to 30 months' probation and 180 days in jail, following her guilty plea in May to concealment of a homicidal death.

58-year-old Christine Burr of Effingham, the mother of Kristy Mathis, is serving a 25-year prison term after pleading guilty to counts of second degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death for her role in Delaney's death, while 26-year-old Zebediah Houser of Effingham is serving a 3-1/2 year prison sentence for concealment of a homicidal death.

Burr is being held at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, whle Houser is being housed at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro.