Man Who Critically Injured Girl, 8, In 2024 Stabbing Has Been Sentenced

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 32-year-old Beach Park man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for critically injuring an 8-year-old girl who he stabbed several times in 2024.

Demetrius Fisher pleaded guilty to attempted first degree murder last week, prosecutors said.

Fisher was in a dating relationship with the mother of the girl he stabbed in February 2024, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The mother and the girl were living with Fisher in a home in the 38000 of N. Manor Avenue.

She received a call from her child's school on the morning of Feb. 15, 2004, inquiring as to why she was not at school. The mother returned to the home on Manor Avenue where she saw Fisher leaving and running from the area, according to the news release.

The mother went into the home and found the child inside with multiple stab wounds, including a severe wound to her neck, authorities said. She was rushed to the hospital, where she received significant medical care.

Police found Fisher at the Metra station in Waukegan where they arrested him.

Fisher will be required to serve 85 of his total 27-year prison sentence followed by three years of mandatory supervised release