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Galesburg woman found guilty of 2021 shooting, faces potential life sentence

Over a year after Rachel Likes' fatal shooting, Maquesha Ramey was found guilty of murder and now faces a minimum of 45 years in prison.

GALESBURG, Ill. — A Galesburg woman has been found guilty of murder in the case of a 2021 shooting death and faces the possibility of a life sentence.

On Thursday, Jan. 27, a jury found 27-year-old Maquesha Ramey guilty of three counts of 1st-degree murder in the death of Rachel Like, who was killed in a shooting just over a year ago on Jan. 4, 2021.

Likes was found with in her car's driver seat with multiple gunshot wounds at about 5 p.m. and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Ramey named as a suspect soon after and subsequently arrested.

The trial began Jan. 20 with 25 witnesses question and 200 pieces of evidence reviewed before jurors reached the verdict after three hours of deliberation.

Additionally, jurors reached the conclusion that aggravating factors, such as use of a firearm, preconceived planning and the drive-by nature of the shooting, made Ramey eligible for a life sentence. The minimum possible sentence being 45 years in prison.

Ramey's sentencing hearing is scheduled for March.

State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin released a statement that said, “We are pleased with the results and believe that justice was served. However, the verdict we achieved in the courtroom can never bring Rachel back to her family. I hope, at least, it will provide them closure and bring peace."”

RELATED: Police: 26-year-old woman arrested for murder in Galesburg shooting death

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