A resident of Chicago’s South Side, Devon Holly, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following his conviction for the murder of an 18-year-old during a robbery.

Just shy of his 18th birthday, Holly’s criminal history is notably severe, having previously been adjudicated for attempted murder when he was only 16. After his release from juvenile detention, he was on parole for this conviction when he committed the fatal act.

In January, while still under juvenile supervision, Holly attempted to evade new legal troubles; he was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle, but those charges were dropped just days before he committed the murder. On January 31, 2024, Holly lured his victim, Davion Borders, to an apartment building in the 700 block of East 60th Street under the pretense of selling shoes.

According to prosecutors, Borders was met by Holly’s sister before being taken to the fourth floor of the building. There, Holly, disguised in a ski mask, attacked Borders, seizing his phone and demanding its password before inflicting multiple stab wounds on him.

The fatal wound, attributed to a knife that struck Borders’ heart, was a particularly brutal element of the crime. A 6-inch serrated knife blade was discovered embedded in his body by responding police officials.

Police were alerted by witnesses to a nearby apartment, where they found an alarming scene: blood on the door and throughout the hallway. Inside, Holly attempted to conceal himself beneath bedsheets, exhibiting fresh cuts on his hands and in possession of Borders’ phone. Additionally, investigators uncovered the broken handle of the knife, along with Borders’ backpack and the shoes that had been advertised for sale.

During the proceedings, Judge Alfredo Maldonado presided over the case, ultimately sentencing Holly to a term where he is mandated to serve the full 20 years without the possibility of parole.