Alton police seek person of interest in murder case

Alton police are seeking a “person of interest” in the murder of a metro-east man.

The Alton Police Department has asked for the public’s help in locating Larry E. Northcutt Jr., 27, described as approximately 5-foot-8, weighing approximately 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Northcutt has not been charged with a crime. Police said he is a “person of interest” in the death of Christopher Gernigin, 29, of Alton, whose body was found early Saturday morning near the Clark Bridge. The Missouri Highway Patrol and Alton Police are investigating.

Alton Police said Northcutt should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information of his location should not approach him, but instead should call the Alton Police Department at 463-3505 or by calling 911.

According to Gernigin’s obituary, he is survived by four children, his mother and three brothers, and loved fishing, scratch-off lottery tickets and working on cars. “He loved to joke and aggravate everyone, but he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone if he was capable,” it read.

The Gernigin family, based in Kentucky, has launched a GoFundMe drive to help pay for funeral expenses. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wojstrom Funeral Home in Granite City. Visitation will take place Friday and services will be Saturday, both at the funeral home.

This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Alton police seek person of interest in murder case."