Elgin murder suspect found dead downstate

The suspect in the weekend slaying of a 31-year-old Elgin man was found dead this morning from an apparent suicide at a downstate highway rest stop.

Illinois State Police found Jerimie L. Hoppe, 31, at 9:20 a.m. in his red 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck off Interstate 55 in McLean with a single gunshot wound to his head, authorities said.

He was wanted for the murder of roommate Sumaly Phanthavong, who was found Sunday morning in his apartment in the 500 block of Page Avenue, on the city's east side. Phanthavong was shot three times, twice in the head.

Elgin Police on Monday released Hoppe's photo and vehicle information in hopes the public could provide information leading to his arrest.

Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said authorities believe the .45 caliber handgun recovered from Hoppe's truck was the same one used in the murder.

Investigators learned the two roommates had an argument before the murder, but authorities today still did not know its root cause.

"If we can get to the bottom of it, we will, but we may never know," Swoboda said. "(The search for Hoppe) came to a conclusion without any other innocent people being victimized."

Phanthavong's murder was the second in Elgin this year.

The first was of Paola Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Rochelle woman who was shot and killed Jan. 30 in a gang dispute. Three people have been arrested and charged in her death.