ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS O’FALLON, IL MAN FOR MURDER AT SAMUEL GOMPER HOMES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2025
February 1, 2025
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) arrested 18-year-old Ricky T. Clayton of O’Fallon, IL for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).
On December 22, 2024, ISP agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred at the Samuel Gomper Homes located in the 400 block of North 6th Street. The victim, 21-year-old, Markela Howliet of East St. Louis, IL had been shot outside in a parking lot and later pronounced deceased.
After a thorough investigation, with assistance from the East St. Louis Police Department, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charge was filed against Clayton on January 31, 2025.
Clayton was in custody during the issuance of charges. No further information is available.
Ricky T. Clayton (M/18)
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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