While investigating metro-east shooting, Major Case Squad finds another body

UPDATE 12/15/25: This article has been updated after investigators announced a correction on the first name of a woman found fatally shot.

Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis are working to determine how a pair of fatal shootings in Cahokia Heights are related, if at all.

On Friday, the Major Case Squad was called to assist in the investigation of a shooting in the 3900 block of Walnut Street, where they found a 67-year-old man with apparent gunshot wounds.

The victim, identified Sunday by the St. Clair County coroner’s office as Bruce A. Mason, of Maryville, was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

In the course of investigating the homicide, agents executed a search warrant at a nearby home where they found Laniya Joyce White, 44, of East St. Louis, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to release from the Major Case Squad.

White was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information has been released, including how the deaths might be related or what led investigators to search the residence where White was discovered.

Capt. Robert Thomason of the Belleville Police Department is leading the Major Case Squad investigation. Anyone who may have information related to the homicide is asked to call 618-337-9507 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

This story was originally published December 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM.