MARION COUNTY — A 44-year-old Chicago Heights man was advised Tuesday in Marion County court that he could potentially be sentenced to life in prison if he’s convicted of the September 2018 shooting death of Centralia resident Precious Jones in her home.

Lorenzo Patton appeared in court Tuesday for a formal arraignment on a charge of first degree murder and a first appearance with his court appointed attorney.

He was advised that due to being a habitual criminal, there is the possibility of mandatory life in prison. He could also receive a 25-year to natural life sentence enhancement due to a firearm being used in the commission of the crime.

According to court records, Patton shot Jones twice – once in the back and once in the chest — and in so doing so either intended to kill or do great bodily harm or knew such an act would cause Jones’ death.

She was found dead in the early morning hours of September 22, by a person entering her home in the 400 block of Anderson Street in Centralia.

Patton has pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. He’s next scheduled to appear in court July 16 for a pre-trial hearing.

He remains in the Marion County Jail with bail set at $2 million.