Mount Vernon, IL – A Jefferson County man has been charged with first-degree murder after deputies allegedly discovered his wife dead from a gunshot wound late Monday.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report of a possible homicide around 8 p.m. near Mount Vernon. A short time later, a Christopher police officer located the suspect’s vehicle, a gray 2007 Ford Escape, on Illinois Highway 148. The driver, identified as 51-year-old John W. Finney, was detained during a felony stop near DuQuoin with the assistance of several law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said a preliminary search of the vehicle revealed the body of Finney’s wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney. Investigators later executed a search warrant at the couple’s home in rural Mount Vernon, where additional evidence allegedly tied the crime scene back to the residence.
Crime scene technicians from the Illinois State Police, along with deputies from Perry, Franklin, and Jefferson counties, secured both locations for forensic processing. The Perry County Coroner took custody of the victim’s body, officials confirmed.
Detectives said early evidence strongly suggests Amy Finney was shot during a domestic dispute inside the couple’s home before being found in the vehicle. John Finney was taken to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is being held pending a pretrial detention hearing.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the case included the Christopher, DuQuoin, and Mt. Vernon police departments, as well as the Illinois State Police.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that John Finney remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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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