Belleville News-Democrat week in review
Tow yard fire in Cahokia Heights sparked by electric car
A large fire broke out April 11 at Patterson Towing LLC on North 73rd Street in Cahokia Heights, engulfing roughly 50 vehicles. Fire Chief Stephen Robbins confirmed the blaze around 2:40 p.m. and said no injuries were reported. Employee James Austin said he was salvaging car parts in the scrapyard when the fire started. He said a coworker was moving an electric Fiat with an excavator when the vehicle sparked, igniting the fire. “As soon as there was that spark, it was over with,” Austin said. The fire did not reach the main building. Twelve fire departments responded, including units from East St. Louis, Columbia, Dupo, Millstadt, and several surrounding districts. The investigation is ongoing.
Reported by Madison Lammert, published April 11
Coroner IDs missing Breese woman found dead in East St. Louis
A 44-year-old woman reported missing from Breese has been identified as the person found dead in East St. Louis early Monday morning. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the woman as Jennifer R. Nicholson, whose last known address was in the 900 block of North Fifth Street in Breese. [1] Nicholson was pronounced dead at 4:30 a.m. at 1120 N. 11th St. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death. Illinois State Police said agents are investigating after receiving a request for assistance from the East St. Louis Police Department. [2] No further details about the investigation have been released.
Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published April 14
Belleville man shot and killed in East St. Louis
A 29-year-old Belleville man was found shot to death inside a vehicle in East St. Louis early Friday morning, and a second person was wounded in the same shooting, authorities say. [1] St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the victim as Davanta McCray, of the 500 block of Abend Street in Belleville, who was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:10 a.m. [2] McCray was found in the 2200 block of Market Avenue. The second victim was taken to an undisclosed hospital with a gunshot wound, according to Illinois State Police. [3] East St. Louis Police responded at 5:03 a.m. to the area of 22nd Street and Market Avenue after a shooting was reported. Illinois State Police agents are leading the homicide investigation, and no further details have been released.
Reported by Mike Koziatek, published April 10
Three killed in home explosion near Troy, Illinois
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has identified three victims killed in a house explosion near Troy late on Easter Sunday. Madeleine I. Cissell, 18, of Troy; Ayden R. Hendrickson, 19, of Collinsville; and Paisley Nishwitz, 12, of Troy died in the blast. [1] The preliminary cause of death was smoke inhalation, with final determinations pending toxicology results. Authorities say the initial explosion was due to the mishandling of commercial-grade energetic material, which includes explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. [2] One person suffered significant burn injuries and was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital. Controlled detonations of remaining material were conducted Tuesday and Wednesday. State and federal charges are pending further investigation. The FBI, ATF, and Illinois State Fire Marshal are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published April 9
Father charged in fatal shooting of Belleville man
A Summerfield man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his 29-year-old son in East St. Louis, Illinois State Police say. Anthony L. Powe, 49, faces felony charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. [1] East St. Louis Police responded to the 2200 block of Market Avenue at 5:03 a.m. on April 10 after a man was found fatally shot inside his vehicle. The victim, Davanta McCray, of the 500 block of Abend Street in Belleville, was identified by the St. Clair County Coroner. A second victim was transported to an undisclosed hospital with a gunshot wound, though no update on that person’s condition has been provided. Powe was being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending his first court appearance.
Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published April 13
State grant targets rail-served megasite in metro-east
America’s Central Port in Granite City has received a $5 million state grant to purchase 350 acres of metro-east farmland for a potential rail-served industrial megasite. Executive Director Dennis Wilmsmeyer says the St. Louis region lacks large parcels with railroad access, which manufacturers need for high-paying jobs. The land could host manufacturing or logistics facilities with rail connections to a nearby mainline. The port applied through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Regional Site Readiness Program. Mary Lamie of Bi-State Development noted site selectors regularly seek large, multi-modal parcels. The port board is expected to vote Monday on accepting the grant before proceeding with the land purchase.
Reported by Teri Maddox, published April 10
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."