BENTON, Ill. (WJPF) – An Eldorado man has been sentenced to over 50 years in prison in connection to a 2021 murder.

Franklin County State’s Attorney Abby Dinn says Heath Dunning, 35, was driving a vehicle on Route 149, near West Frankfort, when he stabbed a passenger, Dennis “Lance” Martin, 52, of West Frankfort, in the chest.  Martin died at the scene.

Dunning was given a 48 year sentence for first degree murder, followed by 6 years for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon.