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Second Defendant Pleads Guilty But Mentally Ill In Princeville Couple's Slaying

The second suspect in the slaying of a Princeville couple pleaded guilty but mentally ill Monday.

Matthew Roberts aided Jose Ramirez in killing his parents, Susan Brill de Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron. Both parents were Bradley University employees.

Roberts then helped Ramirez dump their bodies into the Spoon River.

Roberts faces 60 years in prison. Ramirez was found guilty of murder at a bench trial last week.

Tim was the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio. He left the station in 2025.