SPRINGFIELD, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A man has taken a plea deal and been sentenced in the 2021 murders of three people in Springfield.

Joseph Hembrough initially pleaded not guilty to first degree murder. He changed his plea to guilty. Two other charges were dropped as part of the agreement.

On Aug. 9, 2021, a friend of the victims arrived at a residence in the 2500 block of S. 10th St. and found the victims. Responders came to the scene and confirmed the deaths of three people.

According to our news partners at WAND-TV the victims were identified as 27-year-old Bryant K. Williams of Houston, Texas, 27-year-old Savante English of Springfield, and 25-year-old Keyera Gant of Springfield.

Hembrough was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be served at 100%. He will be on probation for three years following his release. He will get credit for 931 days served while awaiting trial.

Two other men, Kelton Galmore and Larry McClain Jr., were also charged with the murders.