May 03, 2025
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Two plead guilty in La Salle stabbing

One more suspect awaits trial in Sept. 29 incident

By Tom Collins
Judge Cynthia Raccuglia, speaks with drug court coordinators Maranda Johnson and Selenia Arteaga in the courtroom on Wednesday Nov. 3, 2021 at the La Salle County Government Complex in Ottawa. The program began in April 2020. The program currently has six individuals that are enrolled. To qualify for the drug court program, you need a referral from an attorney and be convicted of a specific felon. In addition, there is a drug court act that clarifies what is acceptable and what isn’t. A risk assessment is also conducted. The program is grant funded.

Two Spring Valley men have pleaded guilty to a felony charge stemming from a non-fatal stabbing in La Salle. A third suspect’s case is on hold while he addresses charges in another county. (Scott Anderson)

Two Spring Valley men have pleaded guilty to a felony charge stemming from a non-fatal stabbing in La Salle. A third suspect’s case is on hold while he addresses charges in another county.

Justin E. Qasem, 19, and William J. Vargas, 20, appeared April 25 in La Salle County Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to mob action, a Class 4 felony carrying one to three years in prison. Both were sentenced to reporting probation.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Davion K. Douglas of Decatur is being held in another county awaiting charges that could supersede his felony charge. A status hearing is set for June 5 in Ottawa.

All three were charged following an investigation launched Sept. 29 when a youth was stabbed at Ninth and Lafayette streets in La Salle. La Salle police said later the youth made a full recovery.

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