No charges in Belleville shooting death, police say
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office declined to file charges in the shooting that left a man dead in Belleville.
Monzelle Mason, 50, was shot dead in the 500 block of N. 40th St. Sunday morning and a person of interested was taken into custody from the scene, police said.
But police later determined that the shooter, a 25-year-old woman, was acting in defense. Her name hasn’t been released she she won’t be charged with a crime and her relationship with Mason is unclear.
“Based on an extensive investigation, evidence indicates that Monzelle Mason produced a firearm and threatened a 25-year old female,” said Belleville Police Master Sgt. Dan Collins. “The female, who was also armed, discharged her firearm, striking Monzelle Mason.”
Collins said police investigators conducted multiple interviews and collected “critical evidence.” A case was turned over to the state’s attorney’s office, which declined charges.
No additional suspects are being sought. The case is now closed, Collin’s said.
Belleville police received a call about the incident at approximately 1 a.m.
Officers found Mason unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front yard.
“Despite immediate life-saving efforts by officers and EMS personnel, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene,” Collins said in a release.
St. Clair County Coroner confirmed Mason’s identity Sunday afternoon.
