Belleville, IL – A new partnership between Illinois State Police (ISP) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is providing fresh momentum to decades-old homicide investigations while giving students invaluable hands-on experience in criminal justice.
According to a press release from Illinois State Police, SIUE students working alongside ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents have played a key role in identifying victims linked to serial killings and assisting with murder charges filed in a 14-year-old case. The collaboration, which began in 2022, has SIUE students reviewing cold cases each semester, applying forensic techniques and a solvability matrix to help prioritize cases.
The program recently contributed to the identification of three women whose remains were discovered in 2002 and believed to be victims of serial killer Maury Travis. ISP, with student assistance and advancements in forensic testing, identified Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lay, and Carol Jean Hemphill after years of investigation in cooperation with the FBI, the Columbia Police Department, and other agencies.
In a separate case, the partnership aided in the review of the 2011 fatal shooting of Truman Smith in East St. Louis. According to ISP, Alan Davis of East St. Louis was charged with first-degree murder on May 22, 2025, following a renewed investigation. Davis is currently incarcerated on an unrelated conviction.
SIUE students have also developed a searchable “Murder Book” to assist in tracking unsolved homicides across the Metro East, an effort praised by both law enforcement and educators. “The partnership is not only helping with cold case review, it is providing students with experience and insight into homicide investigations,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Officials say the initiative is helping to provide closure to families and accountability for crimes while preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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