Illinois State Police Arrests Missouri Man for First-Degree Murder After Shooting Leaves East St. Louis Man Dead
October 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) Special Agents arrested 21-year-old Marvonte Coleman of Spanish Lake, MO for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).
On October 9, 2026, ISP Special Agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred in the 1200 block of McCasland Avenue. The victim, 28-year-old Cobey L. Howard of East St. Louis, IL, had been shot multiple times while sitting in a vehicle. Howard was transported to an area hospital and declared deceased. An extensive investigation identified Coleman as the suspect.
On October 12, 2026, the St. Louis Police Department (STLPD) took Coleman into custody in St. Louis. ISP presented the case to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charge was filed. Coleman was in custody during the issuance of charges.
The East St. Louis Police Department, STLPD, St. Louis City Police Department and Hazelwood, MO Police Department all assisted with the investigation.
The charge is 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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