Herrick Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Assault in Shelby County Court

Photo courtesy of the Shelby County State’s Attorney’s Office.

SHELBYVILLE, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On April 11, 2022 – Shelby County jury found Erik M. Ray, age 48, of Herrick, Illinois, guilty of Aggravated Assault, a Class A Misdemeanor with a maximum sentencing range of 364 days in Jail.

The jury deliberated less than 40 minutes before returning its unanimous verdict.

Ray was arrested on February 5, 2021 after he confronted the victim and the victim’s wife, who were his neighbors, in their home about statements they allegedly made about his dog.

Ray was agitated and verbally threatened them during the encounter.

The victim directed Ray to leave the residence.

As Ray was walking onto the porch of the residence, he quickly turned and attempted to re-enter the home.

The victim then pushed Ray, causing him to fall from the porch.

Ray then stood up with a large knife in his hand and attempted to stab the victim in the stomach, cutting the victim’s shirt.

Ray was also armed with a black revolver but did not display the weapon during the encounter.

Law enforcement located Ray at his home after following footprints in the snow.

Ray retrieved and surrender the revolver and knife to law enforcement.

The revolver was loaded with 6 unspent rounds and the knife was a 6-inch fixed blade Frost Cutlery Flying Falcon Rambo-style knife.

Once at the Shelby County Jail, Ray’s shoes were photogryamd compared to the matching footwear impressions discovered in the snow.

Ray will be sentenced on June 13, 2022.

At the sentencing hearing, the victim will have the opportunity to present a victim impact statement.

Ray has a prior DUI adjudication and was previously convicted f two Driving While Suspended cases, Illegal Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

All previous offenses were committed in Christian County.

This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke thanks the jurors for their service and attentive consideration of the evidence in this case.