Mount Vernon, IL – Authorities in southern Illinois are investigating a homicide after deputies stopped a suspect vehicle Monday evening in Perry County, leading to one person’s arrest and the discovery of a victim inside the car.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received information on the evening of September 1 about a possible homicide and were given details of a suspect vehicle. Around 9 p.m., an officer from the Christopher Police Department spotted the vehicle near the intersection of Illinois Highway 14 and Illinois Highway 148 and began following it while calling for backup.
Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted in conducting a felony stop in the 9000 block of Birch Road in rural DuQuoin. Officers from the DuQuoin Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police also responded.
Authorities said the driver was taken into custody without incident. The only other occupant of the vehicle was deceased and believed to be the victim of homicide. Crime Scene Services from the Illinois State Police were called to process both the suspect’s vehicle and a Jefferson County residence suspected to be the initial crime scene.
The Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office was contacted to assist in the investigation, and search warrants are being pursued. The Perry County Coroner also responded to collect the victim’s body. Deputies said the driver was transported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for questioning.
Officials said the victim’s family has been notified but no further information, including the victim’s identity, has been released. Authorities added the investigation is ongoing and more details are expected at a later time.
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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