Three people charged in death of St. Louis man found in metro-east city
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis said Monday charges have been filed against the three people they say are responsible for the shooting death of a St. Louis man whose body was found in Granite City last week.
Granite City police officers were dispatched Thursday morning to Alton Street and Pontoon Road after receiving reports that a body was there.
Kenneth L. Whitehorn, a 58-year-old St. Louis man, was identified Monday as the victim, according to the Major Case Squad. Whitehorn was shot in his head and robbed of money and drugs, according to charging documents.
DeWayne Franklin, 41, of St. Louis was charged by Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s office with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
Brittany D. Howard, 37, of St. Louis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery.
Howard remains at large “and should be considered armed and dangerous,” a news release issued by the Major Case Squad said.
Anyone with information on Howard’s whereabouts is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
Michael McCollum, 75, of Florissant, Missouri, was charged with two counts of obstructing justice and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
Charging documents allege McCollum washed and vacuumed a vehicle that was used in the homicide. This was done before investigators were able to search the vehicle for evidence.
McCollum and Franklin were being held in the St. Louis County Jail on Monday.
The arrests warrants were signed by Madison County Associate Judge Neil Schroeder.
A group of 27 investigators with the Major Case Squad followed up on more than 90 leads that brought them to the three suspects and charges they are now facing in connection with Whitehorn’s death.
Granite City Police Chief Gary Brooks called on the Major Case Squad to assist with the investigation. Granite City Police Capt. Adam Connor served as deputy commander of this group of Major Case Squad investigators.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 8:48 PM.
