GRANITE CITY — A 39-year-old Granite City man on Tuesday was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 21-month-old boy.

John Holmon III, of 2072 14th St., is accused in the death of Jasean Rusher, said Maj. Jeff Connor, assistant police chief of Granite City Police Department.

"We're taking a monster off the street," Connor said in reference to Holmon, who is the boyfriend of Jasean's mother. "This is a severe case of child abuse that lead to homicide."

Police responded to an emergency call about a child in distress in the 2100 block of 14th Street in Granite City just after 1 p.m. Monday.

The child was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead.

Jasean died as a result of a "closed head wound," Madison County Coroner Stephen Nonn said. Forensic pathologist Raj Nanduri performed Jasean's autopsy Tuesday. Nonn said Jasean suffered "blunt trauma to the head."

Toxicology and other test results are pending.

Connor, who was the first to arrive on scene, described it as "the worst case" he's seen in 20-plus years in law enforcement. He wouldn't elaborate any further. "It was an obvious crime scene," he said.

Connor said this is the first reported incident of child abuse involving Jasean. "With cases like this, I can't be certain this is the first time," Connor said.

Holmon is currently being held at the Granite City Police Department without bond. He was expected to be transported Tuesday night to Madison County Jail, Connor said.

If convicted, Holmon is facing 60 to 100 years in prison, according to Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Gibbons, with the possibility of a life sentence.

"We will be pursuing this case to the greatest extent allowable under law," Gibbons said. "This is a crime of unspeakable nature" as a young boy suffered "exceptionally brutal and heinous injuries."

Holmon has a criminal history in St. Clair and Madison counties including a slew of traffic offenses and misdemeanors. In 1995, he was convicted of aggravated battery of a child, a Class 2 felony, in St. Clair Circuit Court. In that case, Holmon was sentenced to six years in prison, according to court records. Holmon also was convicted of domestic battery in 2002 in Madison County Court.

Family members of Jasean had a candlelight vigil from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the 2000 block of 14th Street in Granite City.

"This kind of crime leaves a hole not only in a family but in an entire community," Gibbons said. "Everyone in the community is wondering how such a horrible thing could happen."

A memorial fund has been set up at Regions Bank to help pay for Jasean's funeral expenses.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.