Person found dead after shooting and house fire in Benton

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Ill. (KBSI) — A man was found dead following a house fire and reports of gunfire Wednesday in Benton, authorities said.

Officers with the Benton Police Department, assisted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, responded around 11:26 a.m. to the 400 block of North 10th Street after a report that a gunshot had struck a nearby home.

When officers arrived, they discovered a residence across the street on fire. Officers attempted to enter the burning home but were unable to do so because of heavy smoke. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

After the Benton Fire Department extinguished the fire, officers and firefighters searched the home and found the resident dead inside with multiple firearms nearby.

Authorities said the individual’s name is being withheld until family members are notified. No other injuries were reported.

Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services responded to process the scene, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.

Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Benton Fire Department, West Frankfort Fire Department and West City Fire Department.

Police said there is no danger to the public at this time.