Virginia, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Jacksonville man will spend the next 40 years in prison after shooting and killing a man earlier this year.

Our news partners at WAND-TV report a judge in Cass County handed Benchy Couloute, 45, 40 years in prison on charges of First Degree Murder, and 15 years in a count of home invasion.  Both sentences will be served concurrently.

Couloute was arrested in Indiana in April, accused of causing the death of Junior Kalnoji, 37, of Beardstown, at a home there March 24th.  His body was found inside the home in question.

“I hope this verdict provides some justice for Junior Kalonji’s family and community,” said Craig Miller, Cass County State’s Attorney, in a news release from July when Couloute was convicted. “Mr. Couloute’s premeditated murder was violent and cold-blooded. My special thanks to all the agents at the Illinois State Police Zone 4 Investigations for the many hours they dedicated to this case, which led to a successful conviction on the most serious charge of murder. I am also thankful for the officers of the Beardstown Police Department and the deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.”