Crime

Woman and her son found shot to death in southwest Illinois home. Here’s what we know

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A mother and her son were found shot to death early Sunday in their home in Cahokia Heights, according to authorities.

Esther Cummings, 76, and Ronnie Cummings, 48, both of Calvin Boulevard, were pronounced dead at the scene at 8:58 a.m. and 8:59 a.m., respectively, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

A person of interest was taken in custody. Police are not saying whether they believe he killed the victims. He had not been charged, and his identity was not released.

Police were called to the 2700 block of Calvin Boulevard early Sunday to investigate the report of a double homicide, confirmed Francella Jackson, director of administrative operations for Cahokia Heights.

Jackson said the crime appears to be domestic in nature.

“It is still under investigation. No further details will be released at this time,” Jackson said.

This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 4:18 PM.

Carolyn Smith
Belleville News-Democrat
Carolyn P. Smith has worked for the Belleville News-Democrat since 2000 and currently covers breaking news in the metro-east. She graduated from the Journalism School at the University of Missouri at Columbia and says news is in her DNA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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