Jury finds man guilty of killing ex-girlfriend in Alton in 2018
A 56-year-old man has been convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder after shooting his ex-girlfriend and another man at their home in Alton in 2018.
A Madison County jury found Ernie L. Sykes guilty on Thursday after less than one hour of deliberation, a news release from the Madison County State’s Attorney Office stated.
At 4 a.m. on Nov. 21, 2018, the Alton Police Department responded to a 911 call from 26-year-old Daniel Ferrel, who told dispatchers he had been shot in the leg in his home at 2335 Edwards St. in Alton. According to the release, when officers arrived, Ferrel met them at the door. He had three gunshot wounds.
Inside the house, Alton police found Angel Syddall, 31, in her bedroom with seven gunshot wounds, the release stated. Syddall was rushed to a local hospital where she died.
Upon investigation, police identified Sykes as Syddall’s ex-boyfriend.
According to the release, four days before Sykes murdered Syddall, he threatened her, indicating that her mother would need to “get a black dress” for Syddall’s funeral.
Sykes’ daughter testified at the trial against her father, the release stated. She told the jury of the history between Sykes and Syddall, who was her friend.
The release also stated that all of Syddall’s roommates testified that “it was made clear” Sykes was not allowed in the house. At the trial, Sykes told the court a different story than what he had told police during the investigation.
The first-degree murder trial carries a sentencing range of 45 years to life and the attempted first-degree murder charge carries a sentencing range of 31 years to life. The release stated that Sykes’ sentencing will be held at a later date.
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