It was a bloodbath at the First National Bank in Cairo, Illinois, when James Nathaniel Watts, 32, embarked on a deadly bank heist in May 2014. Today, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced that Watts will serve life imprisonment without parole for his heinous crimes.
Watts, armed with a handgun and knife, forced three employees into the bank after hours. Unable to access the vault due to its time lock, he took them to the break room, bound their hands, and killed Anita Grace and Nita Smith. The surviving victim, Kaeley Price, called 911 after Watts fled, leading to his capture in a high-speed chase.
The charges against Watts are severe. Count 1, which carries the life sentence, accuses him of attempting to rob the bank, assaulting employees, and killing Grace and Smith, all in violation of federal statutes. Count 2 charges him with possessing a firearm after previous felony conviction, a crime that could add up to an additional 10 years’ imprisonment.
Scheduled for May 25, 2017, Watts’ sentencing hearing will take place at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim Cutchin and George Norwood, along with CCS Trial Attorney Jeffrey Zick, prosecuted the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Illinois State Police, and multiple law enforcement agencies conducted the investigation.
This tragic event has left a scar on the community, but justice for Grace, Smith, and Price has been served. Watts will spend the rest of his days in prison, paying for his monstrous actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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