BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A late-night shooting Saturday left one woman dead, another wounded, and a suspect deceased early Sunday morning after a regional law enforcement search ended in Perry County, authorities confirmed.
At approximately 11:19 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, officers from the Belleville Police Department and Swansea Police Department responded to reports of multiple shots fired in the 1700 block of Jamestown Road. Upon arrival, officers located three adult female victims. One woman was pronounced dead in the roadway, while two others were found inside a nearby parked vehicle. One of those women had suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital with injuries.
In a written statement, Belleville police said the department assumed command of the homicide investigation because the shooting occurred across jurisdictions. Investigators quickly identified a known acquaintance of the victims as the primary suspect and issued a regional “Be On the Lookout” alert for both the individual and his vehicle.
“This is still an active investigation,” the Belleville Police Department said in its statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all who were affected by this tragic chain of events.”
SEARCH ENDS IN PERRY COUNTY
In the early hours of Sunday, January 18, deputies with the Perry County Sheriff’s Department located the suspect’s vehicle traveling south on Interstate 55. Attempts to stop the vehicle were made, but before officers could make contact, the suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the car, police said. Authorities maintained a safe perimeter before approaching and confirming the suspect’s death.
Belleville police reiterated that no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the shooting and that the department is continuing its investigation. They encouraged anyone who witnessed the incident or might have information to contact the Investigations Division at 618-234-1212.
COMMUNITY REACTION
At this time, no names of the victims or the suspect have been released pending notification of next of kin. Neighbors in the Jamestown Road area described a community shaken by the violence.
One resident who declined to be named said Sunday, “It’s just awful. You don’t expect something like this to happen right here. Our prayers are with the families.” While local authorities have not released additional comments from residents, the sentiment among neighbors gathered near the scene early Sunday reflected shock and concern over the incident.
