Man found dead in Cahokia is identified. Major Case Squad continues to investigate
The man found dead in his car in Cahokia early Wednesday morning has been identified.
St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the victim as Mahir Smajic, 35, of St. Louis. Dye said Smajic was pronounced at the scene at 4:20 a.m.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate the death.
Around 3:30 a.m., Smajic’s body was found in a white SUV in front of a house at 785 Mildred Ave., Cahokia Police Capt. Dennis Plew said. At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Capt. Bruce Fleshren, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad, said that it appeared Smajic had been backing the car out of the house’s driveway.
Fleshren also said the man had been shot once.
The Major Case Squad has already developed leads and is interviewing witnesses who saw or heard gunshots at the time, Fleshren said. They do not have a suspect identified, however.
The crime was not random and police believe Smajic and his killer knew each other, Fleshren said.
“At this time, we’re still in the beginnings of the investigation, trying to determine what the victim was doing here in town, who he met with and who caused his death,” Fleshren said.
Fleshren said anyone with any information about this crime is urged to call the Cahokia Police Department at 618-332 4248.
This story was originally published August 22, 2019 at 9:36 AM.
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