Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Ex-Girlfriend in Illinois
In a tragic case from Southern Illinois, Emmet Metzger, 27, received a life sentence without parole after admitting to fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend following a painful breakup.
The Night of the Crime
On November 4, 2023, Metzger shot Alexis Maki multiple times at their shared apartment on Hanover Street. The shooting occurred about a month after their relationship ended.
Moments after the shooting, Metzger called 911 to confess, stating, "I f****d up. I did something so bad. I shot my girlfriend. I need to be arrested, please." He surrendered to police shortly thereafter.
Details Revealed by Authorities
According to police reports, Metzger retrieved a 9 mm Taurus G2C pistol from a bedroom gun case before firing at Maki. He then discarded the weapon, went downstairs, and placed the emergency call.
Police found Alexis Maki unconscious in the apartment. She was a college student studying radiography at Kaskaskia College and worked as a bartender.
Emotional Context Behind the Tragedy
Maki’s family described Metzger as being jealous and controlling after their split. Her mother shared that Metzger was upset over Alexis not spending all her time with him, making her life miserable.
State's Attorney JD Brandmeyer noted Metzger’s intoxication from cocaine, THC, and alcohol prior to the incident but emphasized, "There is no excuse for killing someone in cold blood after a breakup."
Sentencing and Aftermath
On June 10, 2025, Metzger pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison without credit for the 583 days he spent in custody since the shooting.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences jealousy and uncontrolled emotions can have when left unchecked.
