No additional charges to be lodged against Scott Peters in Deputy Maness’ Homicide – Peters to serve mandatory 114 years in Department of Correction

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that the manner of death hearing for Deputy Dwight Maness conducted by the office of the McHenry County Coroner, Dr. Anne Majewski, determined his death to be a homicide. Subsequently, our office has conducted an investigation to determine whether the perpetrator of Deputy Maness’ injuries and death should be charged with murder and concluded that no additional charges would be placed against Scott Peters at this time. Our review included, but was not limited to:

1. Review of the police reports prepared during the investigation following Deputy Maness’ death to determine the cause of death.
2. Review of the medical records of Deputy Maness.
3. Meetings with Sheriff Bill Prim and members of McHenry County MIAT (Major Investigation Assistance Team).
4. Meeting with Mrs. Sue Maness.
5. Consultation with Coroner, Dr. Anne Majewski.
6. Review of the arrest, trial and conviction of Scott Peters on the charge of attempted murder of Dwight Maness.

While there is not any expectation that murder charges will be lodged in the near or distant future, that charge can be levied at any time in the future since there is no statute of limitations on murder.

Here are some of the factors considered in deciding not to bring additional charges presently:

1. Scott Peters was sentenced to 135 years in the Department of corrections on October 16, 2014 for the attempted murder of Dwight Maness.
2. The statutory requirement for 135 years mandates that Scott Peters serve no less than 114 years in the Department of Corrections.
3. Scott Peteres, on the conviction for attempted murder of Deputy Maness, cannot be released earlier than the date of June 14, 2128. (He would have to survive to 166 – which is not likely possible.)