Guilty Plea in Jasper County Murder Case

Newton resident Paul "Scotty" Schoonover has pleaded guilty to murder.

(SCHOONOVER)

The 31-year-old Schoonover admitted to the murder of 59-year-old Terry Eastep of Newton in a residence in Newton in June of 2023. Eastep was located with what were termed life-threatening injuries, then died three days later.

Jasper County State's Attorney James Treccia said Schoonover pleaded guilty Tuesday to Jasper County Resident Circuit Judge Chad Miller. Schoonover was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and will be required to serve the entire sentence.

Schoonover will be placed on three years' mandatory supervised release once out of prison. He was given credit for 567 days served awaiting disposition of his case. 

Treccia commended the Illinois State Police and the Newton Police Department for what he termed their "thorough investigation". He added that he hopes the resolution to the case will bring the Eastep family some solace.