Murder charge filed in Carbondale stabbing that left Murphysboro man dead

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — A Carbondale man is facing a murder charge after a stabbing that left a 52-year-old Murphysboro man dead, according to the Carbondale Police Department.

The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office filed murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felony charges Monday against 28-year-old Romello T. Merriweather in connection with the death of Troy Higgins.

Police said officers responded to the 100 block of North Washington Street around 10:40 p.m. Aug. 21 for a report of a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they found Higgins unconscious with multiple stab wounds and began providing aid. Higgins was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries.

Police also found a second stabbing victim, who was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

Officers located Merriweather shortly after the stabbing and took him into custody.

Investigators said Merriweather and the victims knew each other and had been involved in an altercation at the time of the stabbing.

Merriweather was initially charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the murder charge Aug. 24 following Higgins’ death.

Merriweather remains in the Jackson County Jail.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carbondale Police Department at 618-549-2121. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers at 618-549-COPS (2677) or Murphysboro/Jackson County Crime Stoppers at 618-687-COPS (2677).