by Kendall County, Illinois — A northern Illinois man who brutally killed his mother and the family dog inside their home has been sentenced to nearly three decades in prison, closing a case that prosecutors described as both violent and deeply disturbing.
Cody Sales, 30, of Plattville, received a 29-year prison sentence for first-degree murder and an additional one year for aggravated animal cruelty, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively. Under Illinois law, Sales must serve 100% of the murder sentence, meaning he will not be eligible for early release.
The sentencing was handed down on Jan. 26 following a jury verdict reached late last year.
Violent attack unfolded inside family home
Evidence presented at trial showed that Sales killed his mother, Nancy Sales, using a hammer during an attack that took place inside their residence. Authorities also determined that Sales killed the family dog during the same incident.
Police were initially dispatched to the home to conduct a welfare check after concerns were raised about Nancy Sales’ well-being. When officers arrived, they discovered both Nancy and the dog deceased inside the house.
Sales later admitted to law enforcement that he was responsible for the killings, according to prosecutors.
Jury rejects insanity defense but acknowledges mental illness
During the three-day jury trial held in November 2025, Sales’ defense team argued that he was legally insane at the time of the killings. Prosecutors countered that while Sales had a documented history of mental illness, he still understood the nature and consequences of his actions.
The jury ultimately reached a nuanced verdict, finding Sales guilty but mentally ill — a legal designation under Illinois law that acknowledges mental illness without excusing criminal responsibility.
“The jury concluded that the defendant was not legally insane at the time of the offense, but that he did suffer from a mental illness,” prosecutors said following the verdict.
As a result of the ruling, Sales will be required to receive mental health treatment while incarcerated, in addition to serving his full prison sentence.
Prosecutors cite public safety risk
In arguing for a lengthy sentence, prosecutors emphasized the extreme violence of the crime and the ongoing risk Sales posed to others. Court records showed that Sales had previously refused mental health treatment and medication, despite being aware of his condition.
Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis said the court carefully reviewed the evidence before determining that a combined 30-year sentence was appropriate.
“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence that tore a family apart,” Weis said in a statement. “The court’s sentence reflects both the severity of the crime and the need to protect the public.”
Prosecutors also noted that the killing of the family dog demonstrated an additional level of cruelty that warranted a separate conviction and sentence.
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Court orders consecutive sentences
Under the court’s ruling, Sales will serve the 29-year murder sentence first, followed by the one-year sentence for animal cruelty. Because Illinois law mandates full-service time for first-degree murder convictions, Sales will not be eligible for parole or early release on that charge.
Legal experts say consecutive sentencing in cases involving multiple victims — including animals — is increasingly used to reflect the full scope of harm caused.
Case leaves lasting impact on family
In closing remarks, prosecutors acknowledged the profound emotional toll the crime has taken on the victim’s surviving family members.
“No sentence can undo the damage caused or bring back a loved one,” Weis said. “But we hope this outcome provides some measure of justice and finality for those who were forever changed by this tragedy.”
Authorities did not release additional details about Sales’ future placement within the Illinois Department of Corrections, though officials confirmed he will be housed at a facility capable of providing mental health services.
Mental illness and accountability remain central issues
The case has reignited broader discussions about the intersection of mental illness, accountability, and public safety, particularly in situations where treatment is refused prior to violent outcomes.
While the jury recognized Sales’ mental illness, they ultimately concluded that it did not rise to the level required to absolve criminal responsibility — a distinction that remains controversial in many high-profile cases.
Sales did not speak publicly during sentencing.
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