Homicide investigation underway following traffic stop in Southern Illinois
KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Authorities in Southern Illinois are investigating a suspected homicide after a deceased individual was found inside a vehicle stopped by police Monday night.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in the early evening hours of Sept. 1, when deputies received information about a possible homicide at an unknown location. A suspect vehicle was identified, prompting law enforcement agencies to begin searching the area.
Around 9 p.m., an officer with the Christopher Police Department located the vehicle near the intersection of Illinois Highway 14 and Illinois Highway 148. The officer followed the vehicle and requested backup. A coordinated felony traffic stop was conducted in the 9000 block of Birch Road in rural Du Quoin.
Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Du Quoin Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police, assisted in the stop.
The driver was taken into custody without incident. A second person, found deceased inside the vehicle, is believed to be the victim of a homicide.
The scene was secured by responding officers while detectives and deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to continue the investigation. Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services was called to process both the vehicle and the suspected crime scene — a Jefferson County residence believed to be where the homicide occurred.
Search warrants were obtained with the assistance of the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Perry County Coroner responded to take possession of the victim’s body.
The driver was transported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Authorities have not released the name of the victim, pending family notification by the Perry County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional details will be released as they become available.
