Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison announced today a former Carlinville man has pled guilty to first the degree murder of Dana Morgan, Jr. Shawn M. Evans (11/7/1986) entered his plea in front of Judge Joshua A. Meyer. Evans is being held at the Macoupin County Jail where he has been since his arrest on July 13, 2023. 

On July 12, 2023, Carlinville officers responded to the 1000th block of Johnson Street for a report of shots fired. Officers determined Dana Morgan, Jr. had been shot in the chest and arm. Morgan was treated for his wound but eventually died from the injuries. Multiple witnesses identified Evans as the shooter. Video show Evans walking toward the location and running from the scene after shots were fired. A manhunt was conducted for a little under 24hours where eventually multiple law enforcement agencies took Evans into custody without incident. 

"In a cowardly act of violence Dana Morgan, Jr. was senselessly killed.” Garrison said. “Evan's admission today is one step further on the path of healing. I offer my condolences to his family and friends on their loss. I want to thank the Carlinville Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff's Office, the Illinois Secretary of State Police and the Illinois State Police for their efforts in this matter especially Lt. Brian Lawton of the Carlinville Police Department who has been a mainstay in seeking justice for victims for over 20 years." 

First Degree Murder carries a sentence of 20-60 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 23, 2026. If sentenced to the maximum sentence being requested by the State, Evans, who is 39 years old, would not be eligible for parole until July of 2063. 

{ 

}

UNIT: Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8

 

LOCATION: I-55 northbound at milepost 35, near Livingston, St. Clair County

 

DATE and TIME: September 29, 2026, at approximately 12:57 p.m.

 

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 responded to the above location for a two-unit crash involving an RV and a Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer.  Injuries are being reported, and one occupant is being airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries.  The northbound lanes are currently shut down and traffic is being diverted off at Exit 33 onto Route 4.  The southbound lanes will be closed briefly for the landing of the helicopter.  This crash investigation is in its infancy, and no further information is available.

 

UNIT:   ISP Troop 8

 

LOCATION: I-55 southbound near milepost 33, south of Livingston, Madison County

 

DATE and TIME: September 26, 2026, at approximately 11:55 p.m.

 

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 units responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the above location and time. One adult was pronounced deceased on scene, and one juvenile was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. One juvenile and two adults were flown to area hospitals with injuries. 

 

Both southbound lanes of traffic were closed during the investigation. Both lanes were re-opened at approximately 3:57 a.m.

 

Montgomery County Clerk/Recorder Sandy Leitheiser announced that as of Thursday, September 24 th , 2026 through Monday, November 2 nd , 2026, voters can cast their ballot early for the November 3 rd , 2026 General Election.
Early voting will be conducted in the Early Voting Room of the
Montgomery County Clerk’s Office, located at the basement street level
of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro during regular office hours of 8
AM to 4 PM during that time period, and includes Saturdays, October
17 th , October 24 th , and October 31 st , 2026 from 8 AM to noon.
Leitheiser stated that ballots cast during the early voting time period
will not be counted until after the polls close and all Montgomery County
precincts’ returns have been made public. Any voter who requested a
vote by mail ballot and changes their mind to vote early in person
instead must first surrender that ballot to the County Clerk’s Office
before voting early. Early voting and vote by mail ballot totals will be
included with Election Day precinct ballot totals reported after polls
close on Election Night.
For more information about early voting, please contact the County
Clerk’s Office at countyclerk@montgomerycountyil.gov or (217) 532-
9530.

 

Voting is also underway in Carlinville.  

Macoupin Voting Center 
227 E. First South St. 
Carlinville, IL 62626 

The Macoupin Voting Center is just south of the Courthouse and next to the old jail. 
Monday thru Friday 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Closed October 12th for Columbus Day. 

Early Vote After Hours 4:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. 
October 19th, 20th, 22nd, 26th, 27th, and 28th 

Early Vote Saturdays 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 
October 24th and 31st 

On Friday, the Staunton Police mourned the loss of law enforcement brothers and sisters lost in the 9/11 attacks.  Little did they know that hours later, they'd be mourning one of their own.  23-year-old Staunton Police officer and Marine veteran Ethan Hoese has died after his motorcycle was involved in a Saturday crash in Elsah.   Hoese was heading westbound on Illinois Route 100, also known as The Great River Road, when a car pulled out of Mill Street in Elsah in front of him.   The driver of the other vehicle, a 64-year-old woman, suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. She has since been released. The investigation continues and a determination on possible charges will be made once that has been completed. Hoese was off-duty at the time.   Officer Hoese had worked for the Staunton Police Department for 2 years and was a valued member of the Department.  He leaves behind a fiancee' and 11 month old daughter as well as his parents, brothers and numerous other family and friends. At this time, funeral arrangements are pending 

The Illinois State Police offers details on a deadly motorcycle wreck that claimed the life of a Hillsboro man in Fayette County.   32-year-old Jonathan Kirchner was traveling on East 2625 Avenue near North 225 Street.   On Friday, shortly before midnight, Kirchner's westbound motorcycle was traveling on East 2625 Avenue and he lost control and the motorcycle overturned.  He was ejected from the motorcycle.  He was airlifted from the scene to Taylorville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  He was the lone occupant of the motorcycle. 

The Litchfield City Council has a new member.   Chris Dexheimer received a unanimous vote.  She succeeds Ray Kellenberger who stepped down because of health issues.  The seat will be up for grabs soon because Kellenberger resigned less than halfway through his term.