Cory Gregory, convicted of Adrianne Reynolds’ 2005 murder, in court for status on resentencing

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, Ill. (KWQC) - A man convicted of murdering an East Moline teenager over 15 years ago was back in court Thursday morning.

In 2005 at age 17, Cory Gregory and 16 year old Sarah Kolb killed 16 year old Adrianne Reynolds in a restaurant parking lot. According to prosecutors, the two held Reynolds down in a car and strangled her with a belt.

The pair attempted to burn her body, but ultimately dismembered it and disposed parts in a garbage bag at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island.

Gregory was sentenced to 45 years in prison with the chance of parole after 42.5 years.

Now at age 33, Cory Gregory returned to court for a resentence status hearing.

An Illinois Supreme Court ruling found that 40 years for a juvenile is considered a de facto life sentence and is unconstitutional. In 2019, a Rock Island County Judge ruled Gregory will receive a new sentencing hearing. The Illinois Supreme Court later upheld that ruling.

The courtroom was mostly empty Thursday morning, with the exception of Adrianne’s stepmother Joanne.

“How does he have the nerve to ask for a resentence hearing when he prosecuted her and carried out her death penalty,” Reynolds, “It doesn’t seem fair at all. Adrianne doesn’t get to come home. I feel like he can walk out of prison the day Adrianne gets to come home. That’s when he can get out.”

She continues to attend Gregory’s hearings because she wants him and the judge to know Adrianne is loved and still has family who cares.

“I think it’s important for the judge to know we’re still here. We’re still here for the fight. We’re still here to see that justice is served. It’s time to let Adrianne rest in peace.”

Gregory will return to Rock Island County court on July 1. The judge agreed to bring an expert to evaluate his mental health.

Kolb’s appeal for a resentence was denied.

Copyright 2021 KWQC. All rights reserved.