DANVILLE — A Vermilion County man is found guilty of murdering a 2-year-old.
The Vermilion County Circuit Court jury returned a guilty verdict on Friday for 32-year-old Dantrail Johnson. The jury found him guilty of first-degree murder following the death of 2-year-old Cali Sago.
Johnson was charged with three counts of murder with intent to kill or injure on Sept. 28, 2025.
Opening statements began on Wednesday after his final pre-trial on Jan. 21. Court records indicate Johnson was offered a plea, but turned it down.
During the trial, the state presented its exhibits of evidence, along with witness testimony, and heard from Dr. Channing Petrak, an expert in her field.
Then on Thursday, more testimony was heard, and a guilty verdict was returned from the jury on Friday afternoon.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement following Friday’s verdict:
“While nothing will change the horrific events that ultimately took the life of an innocent toddler, I hope today’s verdict brings some healing to Cali Sago’s family,” Raoul said. “I would like to thank the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership in protecting residents and holding those who commit violent crimes accountable.”
Raoul said in the release that Johnson was in charge of babysitting the 2-year-old while her mother was at work on Aug. 11, 2022. Around 8:40 that evening, the Danville Police Department officers and paramedics arrived at the residence located in the 1200 block of Garden Drive after getting a 911 call from Johnson. He stated the toddler was unresponsive.
It is documented that immediately, Cali Sago was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted to a Peoria pediatric hospital for care. She died on Sept. 11, 2022. The Peoria County Coroner’s office investigated the death and noted her postmortem examination showed signs of ‘violent abuse’ including ‘brain hemorrhaging, internal organ damage, and rib fractures.’ The coroner stated her death was caused by blunt force trauma from physical abuse.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for a child whose life was taken too soon, by unspeakable acts of violence,” Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said. “We are grateful to the jurors and to the witnesses who came forward – especially the young sibling whose courage and strength in testifying were extraordinary – and to the dedicated members of the Danville Police Department whose tireless work made this verdict possible.”
Johnson will be sentenced March 23.
All records of information were obtained using the Vermilion County Court Case Search portal and a media release from the Attorney General’s office.