A man has been convicted in the December 2021 triple murder that claimed the lives of Andrew Hintt, 31, and his two young sons, Benjamin Hintt, 7, and Sebastian Hintt, 5.
On Wednesday, May 28, a jury found Alize Smith, 28, of Huntley, guilty of three counts of first-degree murder after a seven-day trial at the Boone County Courthouse.
“While the verdict cannot bring back Andrew, Benjamin and Sebastian, the best we can do is seek justice on their behalf and hold the defendant accountable for this horrific crime,” Boone County State’s Attorney Tricia Smith said in a news release.
Alize Smith was an acquaintance of the family. The killings took place in the family’s home at 628 Union Ave. in Belvidere.
Andrew, Benjamin and Sebastian Hintt were found deceased after family members arrived for a planned visit. No one answered the door or answered phone calls, the release said. Another family member contacted Andrew’s landlord who entered the house through an unlocked door. The landlord discovered Andrew’s body in the living room, left the house and called police.
Andrew Hintt and his two sons, Benjamin, 7, and Sebastian, 5.
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Belvidere police officers found the boys dead in the master bedroom. All three had gunshot wounds to the head.
Tricia Smith said the defendant testified in his own defense. After deliberating just over two hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. July 10 at the Boone County Courthouse. The convictions carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison, the release said.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Man convicted in heinous Belvidere triple murder