A tearful Keianna Miller, 38, of Macomb, who has been held in the McDonough County Jail since last June on aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, told the court Monday during a plea and sentencing hearing that she takes accountability for all that she has done.
“I apologize to everyone for my behavior. I was in a dark spot after what happened to my son. I apologize from the bottom of my heart,” Miller told those present at the Feb. 23 hearing. “I’ve been redeemed under Jesus’ name. I needed this.” {Miller’s fouryear- old son, Terrell Miller, was shot and killed by a Macomb police officer March 16, 2024 when police were responding to a domestic violence call at Miller’s Macomb apartment when the perpetrator, Anthony George, used the child as a shield. Both George and Terrell died on the scene as the result of a single gunshot wound.} At the time of her arrest in Macomb in June 2025, Miller had two pending cases in Marion County, IN. Records from mycase.In.gov showed that the pending charges include an alleged November 2024 incident for “battery resulting in moderate bodily injury” and “disorderly conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct” and a reported March 2025 for “identity deception” and “operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.” Both cases remain listed as pending to date.
The subsequent plea and sentencing related to the June 5, 2025 altercation in Macomb marks a third felony conviction in McDonough County, along with stints in the IDOC for residential burglary and robbery/ mob action. Following her son’s death in 2024, Miller shared her story with The Community News Brief, including her previous arrests, along with the sentences.
“I was on my way to a path of destruction,” Miller concluded in her statement during Monday’s hearing in regard to the 2025 incident involving 56-year-old Maurice Clay of Macomb.
“Jesus found me and pulled me up. Please accept my apologies.”
The recent case against Miller stemmed from a June 2025 falling-out in which she stabbed Clay with a steak knife. He was treated at McDonough District Hospital for wounds to his upper arm and chest following the incident. Miller originally pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. As part of the Feb. 23 plea deal, Miller pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery. The second count, aggravated domestic battery, was dismissed.
Following the plea agreement, Miller was sentenced to 30 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for 263 days served in the Hancock County Jail, where she was transferred following her arrest. She must serve 50 percent of her sentence. Miller was also fined $7,890.
“I truly wish you the best,” Judge Nigel Graham told Miller at the conclusion of the hearing. “We wish you well.”
