Man shot in back is East St. Louis' 24th homicide in 2009; city had 19 in '08

BY CAROLYN P. SMITH - News-Democrat

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EAST ST. LOUIS -- Investigators are trying to solve the city's 24th homicide, which occurred early Thursday.

Last year, the city had 19 homicides.

Leslie Saddler, 38, is the latest victim. He was shot in the back near his home at 1415 N. 44th St. in East St. Louis and died of his injuries in the emergency room of Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital in East St. Louis.

Link: GUEST BOOK: Leslie Saddler

Police were called at 1:42 a.m. about the shooting.

"We found our victim lying in the street between 43rd and 44th streets and Caseyville Avenue," Detective Ken Berry said.

Police do not have a suspect identified nor do they know a motive for the killing, Berry said.

Police also have not recovered the weapon.

Berry said Saddler's family is devastated.

"We need the community's help to solve this murder," Berry said. "So, we are reaching out to the community. Anyone with any information is urged to give us a call."

Anyone with information that can help police solve Saddler's slaying should call Berry at the East St. Louis Police Department at 482-6700, CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477, which is an anonymous tip line that pays up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Also, Illinois State Police are assisting East St. Louis in the homicide investigation. Agents working the case can be reached at 346-3990.

Contact reporter Carolyn P. Smith at 239-2503.

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