Belleville News-Democrat week in review

Vandals target historic Ruma convent, authorities say

A teenager and six juveniles from Missouri have been charged or cited in connection with vandalism at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ convent in Ruma, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced. The group allegedly broke a window and entered the property to take “urban exploring” photos and videos for social media. The vandalism occurred February 14–15, with damage reported February 16. Cheyenne Andrews, 18, of Cedar Hill, Missouri, was arrested on felony criminal damage and misdemeanor trespass charges and has pleaded not guilty. Her attorney says she is innocent. Six juveniles were also charged or cited. The historic 112,000-square-foot complex dates to 1867 and sits on roughly 400 acres. Investigators say additional offenses and suspects have been identified.

Reported by Mike Koziatek, published March 24

Fairview Heights shooting leaves one man dead

A 47-year-old Fairview Heights man was fatally shot late Saturday, and police took a suspect into custody shortly afterward, authorities say. David L. Weary of 100 Bountiful Drive was pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving measures were attempted, St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said. Officers responded around 11:55 p.m. to a disturbance in the 100 block of Bountiful Drive, where a second caller reported shots fired. Based on a physical description, police located the suspect several blocks away and arrested him without incident, recovering a firearm. Illinois State Police crime scene services processed the area for evidence. Police say the suspect was known to the victim and that no additional suspects are being sought. Detectives plan to present findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, and an autopsy is scheduled.

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 22

Belleville liquor store sells $5.6M lotto ticket

A Lotto ticket worth $5.6 million was sold at Royals Liquor, located at 1805 North Belt West in Belleville, the Illinois Lottery announced Tuesday. The six winning numbers — 5, 18, 27, 33, 40, and 49 — were drawn Monday night. As of Tuesday, the winner had not yet come forward to claim the prize. Royals Liquor will receive a $56,000 bonus, equal to 1% of the winning ticket’s value. Co-owner Bhavik Patel said he initially thought someone was pranking him when he received the call. “I’m still in shock but very excited that someone won that much money,” Patel said. “Customers are starting to hear that we sold the winning ticket, and I’m sure the store will be buzzing with excitement by the end of the day.”

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 24

East St. Louis woman killed in I-270 crash

A 35-year-old East St. Louis woman was killed and a teenage boy was injured in a single-vehicle crash early Monday on Interstate 270 in north St. Louis, authorities say. Sharika Ellison, of the 600 block of North 24th Street in East St. Louis, was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Mike Tarticchio, chief investigator for the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office. A Missouri Highway Patrol crash report indicates Ellison was driving a 2016 Chrysler 200 east on I-270 near the Lilac Avenue intersection at 5:35 a.m. when the car struck a guardrail and then a concrete barrier before coming to rest. A 13-year-old East St. Louis boy who was a passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 23

Belleville police enforce park rules after officer battered

Belleville police are cracking down on unauthorized park gatherings after an officer was reportedly battered during a large event at Citizens Park last Saturday. The incident allegedly involved reckless driving, fights, and reports of possible firearms, according to the department. Acting Police Chief Mark Heffernan said the officer was not injured and one juvenile was arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities say two events promoted on social media for this Saturday at Citizens and Bellevue parks will not be permitted, as organizers lack the required permits. Officers will be present to enforce city ordinances and maintain public safety. Parents are also warned that allowing minors to violate curfew or breach the peace may result in enforcement action under state law and city ordinance.

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 19

Belleville man’s death linked to drug overdose

Belleville police are investigating the death of Shawn R. Overmiller, 40, of Windsor Drive, who was found unresponsive along Illinois 161 near Sullivan Drive at approximately 5:22 a.m. Wednesday. Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unconscious man on the side of the road and found Overmiller dead at the scene. Preliminary autopsy findings suggest he likely died from a drug overdose, though confirmation is pending toxicology testing, authorities say. Authorities also say an adult male is in custody in connection with criminal activity discovered during the investigation, and detectives plan to seek charges through the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation remains active.

Reported by Mike Koziatek, published March 19

This story was originally published March 26, 2026 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."