Judge hands down sentence in 2020 Riverside Boulevard killing
A Winnebago County judge on Monday sentenced Dameria Giwa-Finley, 30, of Rockford to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for the 2020 death of her fiancé, Diandre Grant. In addition to the murder sentence, Giwa-Finley received 364 days for criminal damage to property and will be supervised for three years following her release.
The incident that led to the charges occurred on Sept. 30, 2020, in the 1900 block of W. Riverside Blvd., according to court records and statements provided by the Rockford Police Department. Officers who responded to a 911 call found Grant on the apartment floor with multiple stab wounds and a blood-covered knife reported near his feet.
"She was sentenced to 20 years in prison for first-degree murder,"
Giwa-Finley called 911 to report that her fiancé had been stabbed. During a post-incident interview, prosecutors say Giwa-Finley admitted she and Grant had argued earlier and that she had slashed his tires after he began packing his belongings. She told investigators she returned to the apartment with the knife and then went to bed, later claiming she acted in self-defense.
Bench trial, conviction and local investigation
The defendant was found guilty in 2023 following a bench trial, in which a judge — rather than a jury — determined the verdict. The Rockford Police Department led the investigation into the death and presented its findings to prosecutors, who pursued first-degree murder charges.
- Date of incident: Sept. 30, 2020
- Location: 1900 block of W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
- Defendant: Dameria Giwa-Finley, 30, of Rockford
- Victim: Diandre Grant
- Verdict: Guilty of first-degree murder (2023, bench trial)
- Sentence: 20 years imprisonment + 364 days for criminal damage, plus 3 years supervision upon release
What the sentence means locally
The sentence closes a chapter on a case that stretched over several years and drew scrutiny to domestic violence and homicide response in Rockford. The prison term removes Giwa-Finley from the community for a significant period; the additional supervision on release is intended to monitor compliance with court-imposed conditions and reduce the risk of reoffending.
Local law enforcement officials have said they handled the investigation. The details released by prosecutors — including the reported tire slashing, the presence of a weapon at the scene and the defendant’s statements to officers — formed the factual basis for the guilty finding at the bench trial.
Domestic homicides can have lasting impacts on neighborhoods, families and public perceptions of safety. Community leaders and victim services groups often point to sentencing and supervision outcomes as important elements of accountability and long-term prevention, though local resources for survivors and families can vary.
Case timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Sept. 30 — Incident on W. Riverside Blvd.; 911 call made; Grant found with multiple stab wounds |
| 2023 | Bench trial; Giwa-Finley found guilty of first-degree murder |
| 2026 | Sentenced to 20 years in prison, plus 364 days for criminal damage and three years of supervision upon release |
Prosecutors and the Rockford Police Department have not released further public comment beyond official court filings. No additional victims or co-defendants were identified in court records made available in connection with the sentencing.
The case underscores continuing community concerns about domestic violence, timely intervention and the role of local criminal justice processes in delivering both accountability and public safety. Residents with concerns or information about domestic violence incidents are encouraged to contact the Rockford Police Department or local victim service organizations for assistance.
