(Lake County, IL) On September 11, 2025, Demetrius Fisher, 32, entered a “guilty” plea to one count of Attempt First Degree Murder for the 2024 stabbing of a child. Fisher was sentenced to 27 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. 

“Every child’s life and safety is precious. Our Special Victims Unit, which includes prosecutors, victim advocates, and mental health professionals, have worked tirelessly to secure justice for this victim. We are also grateful to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their emergency response and subsequent investigation. This offender was held accountable and will be out of our community for decades.” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated.  

On February 15, 2024, the Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a stabbing. When Deputies arrived, they found an eight-year-old child with a severe wound to her neck and multiple stab wounds. The child was rushed to the hospital where they received significant medical care for the wounds sustained.  

Fisher’s sentence is to be served at 85% followed by three years of mandatory supervised release. His plea will require registration as a violent offender against the youth.  

The offender has been detained in the Lake County Jail since the date of his offense in early 2024. This detention came under procedural reforms (commonly called the “SAFE-T Act”) that prevent offenders from posting cash while a violent offense is pending.