Family of sisters murdered in Collinsville releases statement

The family of the two sisters found shot to death in Collinsville Saturday has released a statement.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department held a news conference Sunday to identify the murder victims, Jamie Joiner, 30, and her sister, Jessica Joiner, 34.

Jamie was apparently ending a relationship with Adam Cobb, 32. Jessica, a California resident, was helping her move out of small ranch house she shared with Cobb in the 1075 block of McDonough Lake Road.

Major Jeff Connors, chief deputy sheriff, said investigators believe Cobb shot both women in the head or neck region and killed the family dog and that Jamie called 911 about 10:30 a.m. before she died. Cobb then led police on a pursuit into Christian County, where he was shot by an Illinois State Police trooper after drawing a weapon.

Cobb was transported to a Springfield hospital, where he later died.

According to their Facebook pages, both Jamie and Jessica Joiner were originally from St. Louis. Jessica was married and worked in California as an art instructor. Jamie’s profile does not list an occupation.

The family of Jamie and Jessica Joiner issued the following statement about the incident, which was shared in social media:

“On behalf of the Joiner/Gilson/Escott families, we are sharing the news of the passing of Jessica Escott (Joiner) and Jamie Joiner. There are no words to convey the immense loss of two of the kindest, most humble and loving daughters, wives, grand daughters, nieces, sisters, cousins, friends, etc. we’ve ever known. The family is working through arrangements and more information regarding celebrations of life in both St. Louis and Los Angeles, will be forthcoming. In the meantime, the family welcomes you to share your memories and/or photos on their respective Facebook pages tagged here.”

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 10:48 AM.