Woman charged with using a revolver to kill a Cahokia Heights man at his home

A 56-year-old woman has been charged in the slaying of a man at his Cahokia Heights home on Wednesday.

Vermonica L. Turley, of the 100 block of Amelia Drive, Cahokia Heights, is charged with murder with intent to kill or injure Stephan Monigan, according to the charging document filed by St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric. The charge was issued Friday.

Monigan, 68, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2003 Maple Tree Lane, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. The slaying was the town’s fourth in less than two weeks.

The charging document says Monigan was shot with a .38-caliber revolver in his head and body.

Turley was a ``known acquaintance,” according to the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. She was taken into custody at the scene that day.

The Major Case Squad was activated to investigate the slaying at the request of Cahokia Heights Police.

Court records do not list the name of Turley’s defense attorney.

At the scene of the slaying Wednesday, a man who said he lives next door told the BND he came home early and saw his neighbor’s door open. As he approached, he saw Monigan’s body.

“I’ve been over here 20 years and never had any problems like this,” Lonnie Middlebrook said.

Millbrook also said at the time that police arrested a woman who showed up driving Monigan’s truck.

Turley is being held in the St. Clair County Jail pending a detention hearing.

This story was originally published July 12, 2024 at 1:39 PM.