A man accused of killing his paternal grandmother in April has been sentenced to natural life in prison on Tuesday. Clayton Anderson of Shelbyville pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of 72-year-old Sherry D. Hubbartt on April 17th, 2021. The murder charge carries a sentencing range of 20 years to natural life in prison to be served at 100% with no day for day credit. Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke made the announcement on Tuesday after Judge Martin Siemer presided over the hearings. 

The incident started after Sherry Hubbartt’s family reported her and her vehicle missing to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.  While her whereabouts were unknown, her debit card was used in multiple locations including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Utah. Nevada Highway patrol located Hubbartt’s vehicle following a report that occupants were shooting at moving vehicles. Nevada Highway Patrol along with the Las Vegas Metro Police pursued the vehicle at high speeds through the Las Vegas strip until it crashed on I-15. 

According to Police, Anderson was the driver and BB guns were located within the vehicle following a search. The passenger was Thomas Miller.  Miller is currently facing charges in Shelby County for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and concealment of a homicidal death.  

Hubbartt’s body was later found in her house, in a closet. A forensic pathologist ruled that the cause of death was strangulation and it was ruled a homicide. Anderson was charged with the murder and held on a no-bond arrest warrant.  He was later transported to the Shelby County Jail on September 30th, after serving a sentence in Las Vegas, from the high-speed chase.

Multiple forces worked together to handle this case.  The Illinois State Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department all assisted and were praised for their efforts by Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke.  

Kroncke said, “The collaborative efforts of five separate law enforcement agencies led to a brutal murderer being swiftly brought to justice for his unconscionable crime. The case resulted in an agreement to the harshest punishment available under Illinois law as a result of the thorough investigation completed by these dedicated law enforcement agencies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sherry Hubbartt and her family at this time.  We hope this outcome brings Sherry’s family some measure of peace.”