Hammond man faces more time for ’19 murder

A Hammond man convicted Tuesday in a Gary woman’s death would likely get more time on the murder conviction.

James McGhee, 40, faces 45-65 years for the murder of Sidne-Nichole Buchanan, 27, after a July 2019 rap concert in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Prosecutors added a habitual offender enhancement — which could add 6-20 years to that sentence.

Senior Judge Michael Bergerson agreed with the evidence presented on the enhancement in a ruling Friday, which indicated McGhee had at least two prior felony convictions.

His sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 2.

McGhee was accused of beating her to death in his Gary apartment, then taking her body to an Illinois forest preserve, according to court documents.

He was “jealous” after seeing Buchanan was involved with another man, a longtime on-andoff boyfriend earlier that day and knowing he was the “side” relationship, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Infinity Westberg said. He planned to confront her after the concert, which turned violent and deadly, she said.

Later, McGhee told witness Kevin Thomas that he “lost it,” justifying why he killed her, Thomas said. After he was given immunity, Thomas led police to the area where her body was found at the Thornton-Lansing Road Forest Preserve in unincorporated Cook County, Illinois, on Aug. 12.

Defense lawyer James Woods called Thomas — the state’s star witness who rode with McGhee while he disposed of her body — a “liar” and questioned his credibility throughout the two-week trial.

McGhee was convicted in 2011 for possession of stolen property and in 2018 for intimidation.

He also faces other unrelated charges, accused separately of fraudulently applying for Indiana unemployment benefits and federal business COVID-19 aid.