Springfield man sentenced to 37 years in prison for burglary, murder and theft

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — A Springfield man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for first-degree murder, armed robbery, burglary and theft.

Dayne Woods, 26, was found guilty of the murder of Dohndre Hughes in June 2024 and sentenced to 37 years in prison on Friday.

Woods requested a new sentencing hearing, but the request was denied.

Woods and Mark D. Meszaros entered Hughes' home and used pepper spray to subdue the residents. However, Hughes fought back against Woods, who then stabbed him in the chest, ultimately causing his death.

Woods and Meszaros left Hughes' residence with money, which they shared with Katherine Smith of Chatham.

Woods will be given credit for 2,369 days spent in custody. After serving 37 years, Woods will be released on probation for three years.

The trial of Meszaros, who is still in custody, continued on July 15.

Smith is charged with murder and is currently free on bail. Her trial is set to resume on July 15.