Abuse-of-corpse charge filed in death of Belleville man found on Illinois 161

The investigation into the death of a man found along Illinois 161 took another turn Friday when Belleville police said a man was charged with abuse of a corpse and concealment of a death.

Joe Davis, 60, of Belleville was charged with the two felonies in connection with the death of 40-year-old Shawn Overmiller, whose body was found Wednesday near Illinois 161 and Sullivan Drive.

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate Overmiller appears to have died from a drug overdose, police said.

Police said the charges against Davis allege he moved Overmiller’s body “with the intent of concealing information regarding the place or manner of death” of Overmiller.

Davis was being held in the St. Clair County Jail Friday, police said.

Overmiller was remembered for his support of Metro East Pride and for being a “social butterfly,” according to his obituary posted by Kassly Mortuary of Fairview Heights. His funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the funeral home.

This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 5:03 PM.