MT. VERNON, IL - On Tuesday, September 2, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) shared a press release stating that an Illinois man is now facing a murder charge after authorities said they found his wife's dead body in his car.
On Monday, September 1, just after 8:00 p.m., deputies with JCSO received a report of a homicide, which included a description of the suspect and their vehicle. The sheriff's office put out an alert for a gray 2007 Ford Escape and shortly after, an officer with the Christopher Police Department spotted the SUV just after 9:00 p.m.
The officer followed the car west on state highway 148 before other law enforcement officers arrived, People reported. The driver, 51-year-old John W. Finney, was detained while investigators searched the SUV. Inside, officers said they found a dead woman, later identified as Finney's wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney.
At the same time, officers searching the Finney residence alleged they found evidence that supported the claim that Amy was killed inside the home.
"Preliminary evidence gathered strongly supports that Amy Finney died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute with John at their home," JCSO said. The victim's body is now in the custody of the Perry County Coroner's Office. John has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Further charges are likely to follow.
He is being held at the Jefferson County Jail while awaiting his pretrial detention hearing. JCSO said that the victim's family has been notified, according to Local6. JCSO thanked the multiple agencies that assisted in the case, emphasizing that an arrest was made quickly.
If convicted, the first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of 60 years to life in prison, News3 reported. "Obviously, that will fall on the state's attorney to make that determination with Mr. Finney's counsel," Sheriff Jeff Bullard said. "And obviously, we provide our recommendations and our assistance to the state's attorney along the way through that process.
Bullard said that Finney had a known history of domestic disputes and believes alcohol may be involved in this incident.
On Monday, September 1, just after 8:00 p.m., deputies with JCSO received a report of a homicide, which included a description of the suspect and their vehicle. The sheriff's office put out an alert for a gray 2007 Ford Escape and shortly after, an officer with the Christopher Police Department spotted the SUV just after 9:00 p.m.
The officer followed the car west on state highway 148 before other law enforcement officers arrived, People reported. The driver, 51-year-old John W. Finney, was detained while investigators searched the SUV. Inside, officers said they found a dead woman, later identified as Finney's wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney.
At the same time, officers searching the Finney residence alleged they found evidence that supported the claim that Amy was killed inside the home.
"Preliminary evidence gathered strongly supports that Amy Finney died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute with John at their home," JCSO said. The victim's body is now in the custody of the Perry County Coroner's Office. John has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Further charges are likely to follow.
He is being held at the Jefferson County Jail while awaiting his pretrial detention hearing. JCSO said that the victim's family has been notified, according to Local6. JCSO thanked the multiple agencies that assisted in the case, emphasizing that an arrest was made quickly.
If convicted, the first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of 60 years to life in prison, News3 reported. "Obviously, that will fall on the state's attorney to make that determination with Mr. Finney's counsel," Sheriff Jeff Bullard said. "And obviously, we provide our recommendations and our assistance to the state's attorney along the way through that process.
Bullard said that Finney had a known history of domestic disputes and believes alcohol may be involved in this incident.
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