‘Strong person of interest’ in custody after apparent murder of Edwardsville attorney
A person of interest is in custody after hours of “tireless” investigation in the slaying of Randy. L. Gori, a well-known Edwardsville attorney and businessman, authorities said Sunday.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Department responded to 4586 Mooney Creek Rd. in rural Edwardsville around 9 p.m. Saturday. According to a statement from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, Gori, 47, was found dead at the home, and a black 2020 Rolls Royce SUV Cullinan was taken from the address.
Major Case Squad Captain David Vucich said a “strong” person of interest was developed as the investigation continued and eventually led to an arrest. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was detained Sunday afternoon.
“Enough information has been developed to detain this subject in relation to offenses associated with the investigation,” Vucich said.
Gori’s Rolls Royce also was recovered.
Authorities did not say where the suspect and vehicle were located.
The Major Case Squad investigated numerous leads. More than 25 investigators from local agencies are continuing to work the scene, according to a statement from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
“As additional evidence is being sought, it will be evaluated in the near future for potential charges relating to this offense,” Vucich said.
Entrance to the secluded, wooded neighborhood where Gori lived was blocked off by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
Police have not said how Gori died but confirmed Saturday morning that the case is being investigated as a homicide.
Community leader
Gori was the co-founder of the Gori Julian & Associates Law Firm. The firm released a statement about Gori’s death around 10 a.m. Sunday.
“It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we communicate the passing of our managing partner and co-founder, Randy Gori. Randy was a true leader, a wonderful attorney and friend and a champion of our community,” the statement read. ”He gave so much to everyone he knew both personally and professionally. We will continue the legacy that Randy created and ask the community to join with us in supporting his family during this difficult time.”
According to the Gori Law Firm website, Gori practiced asbestos, benzene and personal injury litigation. He was also a member of numerous law associations and practiced in both Illinois and Missouri.
Beyond his law practice, Gori also owned, sold and rented many properties in the Edwardsville area. In 2017 he worked with the city to purchase its former city hall for more than $1 million, for which a new headquarters for his law firm was to be located along with a large amount of real estate.
A planned ice rink facility is also planned to be named after Gori, who made a $2.5 million to the development of the Gori Family Ice Complex.
In a statement, Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton called Gori’s murder “sickening and senseless” and described him as a friend and tireless businessman.
“He was heavily involved in our Downtown Edwardsville revitalization, but more importantly, his investments were secondary to his philanthropy,” the statement read. “Randy and his firm gave generously of their time and resources to causes for which Randy was passionate. From a local family in need to causes fighting cancer, Randy would always step up because he truly cared about others.”
In the aftermath of a shooting in East St. Louis that took the life of Illinois State Police Trooper Nick Hopkins, of Waterloo, Gori presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of his firm to Backstoppers, Inc., which provides financial support and other assistance to families of first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
He also sponsored numerous scholarship funds and other charities.
Other details of the apparent murder that have been reported through second-hand sources or through police scanners remain unconfirmed by investigating authorities.
Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact the Major Case Squad with additional information at 618-296-5544.
Fourth Homicide in Edwardsville area since 2006
Gori’s death marks the fourth homicide in Edwardsville area since 2006, and the third in roughly the past year. Last April, husband and wife Michael and Lois Ladd were found dead at their home in the 800 block of North Kansas Street. The man charged with the couple’s deaths, Zachary Capers, 23, of Collinsville, is scheduled to stand trial for the home invasion and murder of the couple in February.
This story was originally published January 5, 2020 at 3:53 PM with the headline "‘Strong person of interest’ in custody after apparent murder of Edwardsville attorney."