EAST ST. LOUIS MAN CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY AND FIRST DEGREE MURDER AFTER ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CONCLUDES YEARS LONG INVESTIGATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Major Crimes Unit submitted its investigation against 26-year-old Montel Harkins of East St. Louis, IL and obtained charges for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony) and Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) stemming from a deadly robbery in 2021.
On June 5, 2021, ISP Special Agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD) to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred near 14th Street and Division Avenue. Officers located the victim, 22-year-old Kaleb Davis of Cape Girardeau, IL, deceased with gunshot wounds.
An extensive investigation by ISP and ESLPD revealed that Harkins allegedly tried to rob Davis at gunpoint when shots were fired, and Davis was fatally wounded.
On September 29, 2025, ISP Special Agents presented the case to St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and the above-mentioned charges were filed. Harkins is in custody in Oklahoma for an unrelated case and an arrest warrant for this case has been issued. No further information is available.
The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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