– Deaths in Moline labeled as homicide
– Moline homicide investigation.

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Man and Woman Found Dead in Moline Homes; Suspect Connected to Homicide

Authorities in Moline, Illinois have confirmed that the deaths of a man and woman found in two separate homes are the result of a homicide. The police have connected both victims to the same suspect. The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Chad Hillyer of Aledo, was later found dead in Iowa.

Police Investigation Unfolds

The investigation began when the Moline Police received a report of an unknown medical problem at a home on 25th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of 55-year-old Steven Herring. Crime Scene Investigators determined that Herring had been shot with a handgun, finding a shell casing at the scene.

Meanwhile, another report of an unknown medical problem led the police to a residence on 46th Street. Inside, they found the body of 79-year-old Donna Ericson. CSI also determined that Ericson had been shot with a handgun, and a shell casing was found in the residence.

Moline police enlisted the help of the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police to process the crime scenes and gather evidence. Detectives soon discovered that Chad Hillyer was not only the son of Donna Ericson but also a close friend of Steven Herring.

Linking the Suspect to the Crime Scenes

As investigators continued their work, they examined various pieces of evidence, including cell phone records and video footage from residential, commercial, and city sources. They discovered a white 2007 GMC truck, owned by Hillyer, captured on video near both homes on the day of the incidents.

Further investigation led the authorities to a property owned by Hillyer in rural Aledo. A search warrant was executed at the location, involving members of the Illinois State Police SWAT, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moline Police Department. However, Hillyer was not found at the property. CSI did find a shell casing, and tests later confirmed that all three casings recovered from the crime scenes were fired from the same handgun.

Tragic End

Later that evening, Coralville police received a report of a suspicious vehicle on a rural road near Tiffin. Upon inspection, they discovered Chad Hillyer dead inside the vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was recovered from the scene.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Rock Island County Coroner on the victims, Steven Herring and Donna Ericson. The death of Chad Hillyer falls under the jurisdiction of the Johnson County Medical Examiner, who will conduct further tests and examinations.

Appeal for Information

The Moline Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. They can contact the police department directly at 309-797-0401 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or the P3 Tips App.

Moline Police Chief Darren Gault expressed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. He also expressed gratitude for the assistance and collaboration received from several law enforcement partners in handling this complex case.

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1. “Police say deaths of 2 in Moline classified as homicide”
2. “Moline police investigate double homicide case”.