Body found near downstate church

EAST ST. LOUIS -- Investigators from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis are attempting to identify a decomposing body found on the grounds of an East St. Louis church.

East St. Louis Police Chief Michael Baxton Sr. says congregants cleaning the grounds at the North End Missionary Baptist Church at First Street and Exchange Avenue discovered the body Saturday afternoon.

Police believe the body is that of a middle-aged white man, but have declined to comment on evidence found at the scene.

St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone says an autopsy would be performed Sunday to determine the cause of death, and he plans to use dental records to identify the body. Stone says the body had probably been at the site for five to 10 days.