Victim of suspected Freeburg homicide is identified by coroner, police make arrest
The identity of the person found dead by police in a Freeburg home Wednesday has been released by authorities.
The death is being investigated as a homicide, police say.
According to a release from the Freeburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to Deerfield Trailer Court on a wellness check at about 7:52 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the body of Linda Waller, 55. She was pronounced dead at the scene, said St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.
It was Belleville Police that requested the check at Waller’s home, said Belleville Assistant Chief Mark Heffernan.
Belleville patrol officers had pulled over a Ford F-150 pickup truck registered to Waller and, during a search of the vehicle, found evidence that led them to believe the driver may have been involved in a violent crime, Heffernan said.
“Officers continued to observe the vehicle and when the driver made an improper turn from West Washington on to south 2nd Street (and) officers conducted a traffic stop at 1st and Main street,” he said. “The driver appeared to be extremely nervous. Officers asked the driver for consent to search the vehicle and consent was granted by the driver.”
Belleville detectives are assisting in the investigation at the request of Freeburg Police. The name of the driver of Waller’s truck, who remained in custody as of late Thursday morning, has not been released since they have not been charged with a crime.
The motive and circumstances remain under investigation. Police have not discussed the state of the scene or any injuries observed on Waller’s body to indicate why homicide is suspected.
“This case us yet another illustration of the dangers police officers face everyday,” Heffernan said. “What appeared to be a simple traffic stop quickly escalated to a suspect in a violent murder.
“The officers who stopped the vehicle should be commended for their pro activity and their diligence in investigating further.”
This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 10:18 AM.