Two in Custody in Courson Death
Published on October 2 2021 2:24 pm
Last Updated on October 2 2021 2:30 pm
Written by Greg Sapp
Two people have been taken into custody in connection with the September 26 death of Roger Courson of Edgewood.
The 80-year-old Courson was found dead in his home by a family member. A safe, firearms and a television were missing from the home.
Clay County State's Attorney Andrew Koester said the two taken into custody are Walter L. West and Christopher B. Gallatin. No addresses are as yet available. Koester said charges will be formally filed on Monday morning.
Illinois State Police report that an Effingham City Police Department Crimestoppers' tip from the public led to the development of suspects in the case. Based on information gathered during the investigation, West and Gallatin were taken into custody on Thursday. A Clay County judge found probable cause on Friday night to detain West and Gallatin.
Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 was assisted in what they are terming an "open and ongoing investigation" by the Clay County and Marion County Sheriff's Departments and Centralia Police Department.
Anyone with information relating to this case is requested to contact ISP DCI Zone 8 Special Agent Timothy Brown via email at Timothy.Brown@illinois.gov or by telephone at 217-342-7861.