Pregnant Woman Beheaded Weeks Before Due Date, Ex Tossed Head in Trash

Deundrea S. Holloway, an Illinois man, was sentenced to 60 years in state prison last week after pleading guilty to the brutal murder and decapitation of his nearly eight-months-pregnant girlfriend, Liese A. Dodd, in June 2022. Holloway’s sentence includes 30 years for first-degree murder, 20 years for the intentional homicide of an unborn child, and 10 years for the concealment of a homicidal death, all to be served consecutively.

The gruesome case, which shocked the small city of Alton, Illinois, saw significant delays as Holloway underwent months of treatment at a state institution after being deemed mentally unfit to stand trial. Complicating matters further, an Illinois Supreme Court ruling determined that the murder of a mother and her unborn child cannot be treated as multiple murders for sentencing purposes, EdGlen Today news.

Dodd, 22, was found decapitated on June 9, 2022, when her mother, concerned after not hearing from her, visited her home in the 3400 block of Bolivar Street. Inside, she discovered her daughter’s headless body. Dodd’s head was later located in a dumpster outside the apartment.

Former Alton Police Chief Marcus Pulido described the crime as “absolutely terrible” and “beyond reprehensible.” He stated: “She was savagely, savagely killed according to The Alton Telegraph. She was decapitated. Decapitated by a freaking savage monster. Her unborn child was also killed as a result of this.”

Pulido also noted that Dodd and her family had been in the midst of planning a baby shower when the tragedy occurred. Holloway and Dodd had been in an on-and-off relationship before the murder. Following his conviction, Holloway must serve at least 52 years of his sentence before being eligible for release, meaning he will be in prison until at least the age of 77.

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine issued a statement after the sentencing, acknowledging the emotional toll on Dodd’s family. “For the family and loved ones of Liese, these types of issues have caused continued angst and uncertainty. This guilty conviction ends that,” he said.

“Our hope is that this conviction and sentence provide the family and loved ones some assurance and will be a step toward healing.” Haine praised the family’s strength and courage, emphasizing the resolution spared them the additional trauma of a trial. The case remains a harrowing reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. A GoFundMe for Dodd’s family has raised nearly $16,000 since her murder.