JOHNSON COUNTY – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 and Johnson County Sheriff's Office conducted an exhaustive investigation that led to a 50-year sentence for First-Degree-Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.  

 On February 23, 2024, 71-year-old Larry D. Cavitt of Goreville, IL was found guilty of the above charges relating to the murder of 51-year-old Joseph E. Geyman.  On May 17, 2024, Cavitt was sentenced to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  The sentence includes 25 years for First Degree Murder plus an additional 25 years due to the statutory firearm enhancement.

 The sentencing comes after an August 28, 2021, request by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Geyman, which had occurred in the 6000 block of Dutchman Lake Road, Tunnel Hill, IL.  The suspect, Larry D. Cavitt, was arrested on August 28, 2021 by ISP agents, with the assistance from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by the Johnson County State’s Attorney’s Office.