Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2025 – 1:00 PM
Investigation 25-828
Dupo, IL – The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has successfully advanced the investigation into the February 3, 2025, homicide of 37-year-old Cody Rhodes in Dupo, Illinois. This case highlights the effectiveness of the Squad’s bi-state structure, which allowed investigators to seamlessly coordinate efforts across Illinois and Missouri, resulting in the arrest of all suspects.
The investigation, led by Illinois Chief Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad, Sergeant Justin Biggs of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, was conducted by eighteen (18) investigators who worked approximately seventy-three (73) leads. On February 6, 2025, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges against three individuals in connection with the case:
On Monday, February 3, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, Officers from the Dupo Police Department responded to a report of gunfire in the 100 block of N. 2nd Street, Dupo, Illinois. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to area hospitals, where Cody Rhodes succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The Dupo Police Department was initially assisted by:
Recognizing the complex nature of the case, Dupo Police Chief Dennis Plew requested activation of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, which swiftly mobilized investigators.
This case highlights the continued success of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, which marks its 60th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1965, the Squad has played a pivotal role in solving violent crimes across the Missouri-Illinois region, leveraging expertise and resources from over 100 participating law enforcement agencies.
By design, the Major Case Squad’s bi-state structure allows for seamless investigations across jurisdictional lines, ensuring that offenders cannot evade justice by crossing state borders. This case is a prime example of that success, as investigators worked across Illinois and Missouri to track down all suspects, culminating in the arrest of Bryce Rhodes in Missouri today with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis extends its gratitude to all assisting agencies and the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in bringing these individuals to justice.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Contact:
Sgt. Andrew Pierson
Public Information Officer
Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
X (formally Twitter): @MajorCaseSTL
For media follow-up:
Contact Sgt. Andrew Pierson at (618) 433-8928
📧 apierson@cityofaltonil.gov
