Man who struck woman with pickup sentenced to 60 years
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Times-Tribune staff
An East St. Louis man who intentionally struck his girlfriend with his vehicle in February, killing her, has been sentenced to 60-years in prison.
Richard D. Mayor
Madison County State’s Attorneys stated in a news release, 60-year-old Richard D. Mayor was sentenced Tuesday to 60 years in prison in the death of Lisa M. Dunnavant-Polach, 46, of Washington Park. Circuit Judge Kyle Napp imposed the sentence after Mayor was found guilty in June of first-degree murder.
“Our hope is that this sentence brings a measure of justice to Lisa Dunnavant-Polach’s family and loved ones, as well as the people who heroically tried to save her life,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said. “With this sentence, we at least know that Richard Mayor will never again pose a threat to our community. This is effectively a life sentence.”
Mayor hit Dunnavant-Polach with his pickup as she walked along Illinois 111 on Feb. 21, 2023. The impact nearly severed one of her legs, and she died later at a hospital, according to the release.
The driver of a tractor-trailer, a former US Marine, attempted to intervene as the victim was walking along the highway. He saw the victim in distress and pulled over to offer her a ride, when Mayor struck her with the pickup he was driving.
The trucker testified at trial that he pulled the microphone cord off his CB radio and used it to tie a tourniquet on the victim’s severed leg. He also told the jury the victim identified Mayor as the attacker before she lost consciousness.
“I have children. I’m not ready to die yet,” Dunnavant-Polach told rescuers according to trial testimony.
Mayor was located about 5 miles away on Illinois 203 in Granite City. A Madison County sheriff’s deputy located Mayor near the vehicle and took him into custody.
At trial, Mayor testified that his foot got stuck between the brake and accelerator pedals. He told the jury he continued driving after the crash because he “blacked out,” according to the release. He later told authorities he figured the damage to his truck was caused by hitting a deer.
“This was a cowardly yet cruel act by a criminal who has no regard for others,” Haine said. “To this day, this perpetrator refuses to take responsibility for his actions.”
