Adriana Blake, convicted in a 2024 Davenport double homicide, was sentenced Thursday in Scott County Court to life in prison without parole, despite maintaining her innocence.
Blake, 28, walked into the courtroom smiling and laughing, claiming her confession was forced and that the evidence doesn’t match the accusations. She insisted there remains a “shadow of doubt” in her case, stating:
“I’m a lover, not a fighter.”
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Blake said she has been sober for 19 months and is both a mother and aunt. She ended her statement by offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Emotional Victim-Impact Statements
Relatives of Amy Smith, one of the two victims, delivered powerful statements.
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Sally Smith, Amy’s mother, described raising her granddaughter, Violet, after Amy’s death:
“Violet will never be the same. She doesn’t ever want to leave the house now. She spent as much as three months without going outside.” -
Kelli Elliott, Amy’s sister and a police officer, expressed regret over being estranged for 10 years. She learned of her sister’s death while on duty:
“I got the call during my shift. I can’t undo the years we lost.” -
Danielle Andersen, a 911 dispatcher and another sister, was in tears as she spoke directly to Blake:
“You are an entitled, disgusting human being and will never realize the effects of your actions. I will have a little peace knowing you’ll be rotting away.” -
Sarah Womack, another sister, remembered Amy’s vibrant personality:
“She was lively, affectionate, and full of life. She truly lived on her own terms.” -
Olivia Smith, Amy’s daughter, read a statement and later hugged her grandmother, Sally Smith.
Blake attempted to address the court again after Sarah’s statement, but her attorney stopped her.
Judge Rebukes Blake
The judge delivered a strong statement while sentencing Blake:
“I’m struck by your wallowing self-pity and your attempts to paint yourself as the victim. Ma’am, you’re not the victim. You’re a murderer. And today, you’re going to receive the justice you should receive.”
Case Background
Blake was found guilty on:
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Two counts of first-degree murder
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Two counts of first-degree robbery
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Assault while committing a felony – serious injury
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Use of a dangerous weapon in a crime
She was acquitted on one charge of going armed with intent.
The case stems from Jan. 16, 2024, when Davenport Police responded to a fire at an apartment on North Division Street. Firefighters found two victims, 44-year-old Brian L. Goodwin and 44-year-old Amy M. Smith, both fatally shot.
Police allege that Blake and Devon B. Braet placed combustible material in the apartment after the killings. Shortly after the incident, Blake and Braet were found at a Galesburg hotel, posing for photos with guns and body armor.
Detectives testified that in one video recovered from the hotel, Blake said:
“I shot both of them.”
Co-Defendants
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Devon B. Braet — Charged alongside Blake, currently awaiting sentencing.
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Melisa M. Weber — Pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder and robbery. Her prison sentence was suspended, and she received two years of supervised probation and a fine of $855 plus a 15% crime surcharge.
