Jefferson County man charged in wife’s death

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MT. VERNON, Ill., (KBSI) — A Jefferson County man has been charged with first-degree murder after deputies said his wife was found dead inside his vehicle following a multi-agency search Monday night.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said it received a report of a possible homicide around 8:03 p.m. Sept. 1. A suspect vehicle description was provided, and about an hour later a Christopher police officer located the vehicle — a gray 2007 Ford Escape — near Illinois Highways 14 and 148.

The officer followed the vehicle west on Highway 148 until Franklin County deputies arrived to assist with a felony stop in the 9000 block of Birch Road in rural Du Quoin. The Du Quoin Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police also assisted.

Deputies identified the driver as 51-year-old John W. Finney of rural Mt. Vernon. During a protective sweep of the vehicle, officers found his wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney, dead inside.

Meanwhile, Jefferson County deputies secured the couple’s residence on North Illinois Highway 148, where evidence indicated the crime took place. Illinois State Police crime scene technicians processed both scenes, and the Perry County coroner took custody of the victim’s body.

Investigators said preliminary evidence indicates Amy Finney died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute. John Finney was arrested and taken to the Jefferson County Jail to await a pretrial detention hearing.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office thanked multiple assisting agencies, including Mt. Vernon police. Officials emphasized that Finney is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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