Second man sentenced in Springfield murder | Crime

Michael Wesley Jr. was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for killing Wendy Jo Whitaker, attempting to kill her boyfriend and hitting an undercover police detective with his car.

Wesley pleaded not guilty, but a jury convicted him on all counts earlier this month.  Another man, Ronald Smith, admitted shooting Whitaker in September 2008.  Smith testified Wesley was in the car when he fired the gun.

Whitaker was killed near her home on E Street, between 51st and 52nd.

Smith pleaded guilty and is serving a 25-year prison sentence.