2 men, woman dead in southern Illinois; 2 fugitives arrested
BETHALTO, Ill. (AP) - Three people were found dead inside a southern Illinois home after two fugitives wanted in other states were captured in Missouri, police said Friday.
Police in Bethalto found the victims Thursday night after being contacted by investigators in Hazelwood, Missouri, where two fugitives were arrested.
They were identified as Shari Yates, 59, her son Andrew 'œAJ'ť Brooks, 30, and another man, John McMillian, 32, according to the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
Bethalto is 21 miles (34 kilometers) northeast of St. Louis.
The fugitives, Brady Witcher, 41, and Brittany McMillan, 28, were arrested on warrants from Alabama and Tennessee. The cases include a homicide in Alabama.
"They are connected to a substantial crime spree that's been going on for some time and includes a whole host of activities, including Tennessee," said Brian Koberna, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad. 'œOne of them is associated with the Bethalto area.'ť
He said investigators were trying to determine their connection to Bethalto.
Brooks' friend, Noel Russo, said she's shocked.
"It just dumbfounds me," she said. "It's like a really bad dream."