Belleville man faces murder, weapons charges in connection with deadly March shooting

A Belleville man faces murder and weapons charges in connection with the March slaying of a 39-year-old man in Washington Park.

Steven Tiller Jr., 22, was arrested on Oct. 11 and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a felon, both felonies, stemming with the shooting death of George Smith of East St. Louis

Illinois State Police were called to assist in the investigation of the shooting, which occurred in the 6000 block of Forest Blvd. shortly after 8 p.m. on March 29, according to reporting by the BND at the time of the incident.

Smith was found with bullet wounds and transported to an area hospital, where he later died.

“After a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Tiller as a suspect,” according to a release Tuesday from state police.

Tiller is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending pretrial detention hearing. Police would not give a motive for the shooting.