Chicago man Deonlashawn Simmons convicted of murdering teenager Takaylah Tribitt

A Chicago man has been sentenced to 105 years in prison for the murder of a 14-year-old girl found with her hands tied in a filthy alley in Gary, Indiana, a judge ruled Thursday.

Deonlashawn Simmons, 36, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing Takaylah Tribitt in 2019.

A jury found him guilty of the murder in March, and Simmons admitted to upgrading guns and repeat offenders.

Tribbitt, a fugitive, was found face down, tied with ropes and surrounded by trash not far from where Simmons’ family lived, according to court documents.

She and Simmons had met at a birthday party in Chicago five days earlier.

Simmons has maintained his innocence and said Thursday he plans to appeal.

Assistant District Attorney Doug Shaw, who called Tribbit’s death an “execution,” asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 105 years, saying “that’s all the law allows us.”

Tribitt was a “helpless child,” Shaw told the court.

Simmons’ attorney had asked for a 56-year sentence, including five years suspended in favor of probation.

With post wires