Eric S. Clements, 42, was fatally shot outside his home on Marcy Street in Ottawa, Illinois, on the evening of June 5, 2023. He was found in his driveway leading to the garage in the fetal position and was unresponsive; first responders were unable to revive him and he died of his injuries.

Two people were arrested in connection with the killing. Nicolaus J. Phillips, 24, of Spring Valley is accused of shooting Clements with a 9 mm pistol. Chastity A. Furar, 21, also of Spring Valley, is charged as an accomplice or accessory; prosecutors say she drove Phillips to Clements’ home and supplied the pistol. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and someone call the name Eric; a Kia registered to Furar was observed and later stopped by police. Furar gave a detailed statement and the firearm was recovered.

Both defendants were presented on first-degree murder charges. Phillips’ bond was set at $5 million and Furar’s at $1.5 million; prosecutors have described potential prison exposure of 45 to 85 years for Phillips and 35 to 75 years for Furar if convicted. Court proceedings, including grand jury consideration, were pending as of the last reported hearing. Did anyone in the Ottawa area see or hear anything that night that could help investigators?