Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
Chairman of the Board
Chief Ray Johnson
On 06-02-2022 at approximately 1129 hours, St. Clair County Illinois Sheriff’s Department deputies were dispatched to the 9300 Block of Golden Rule Mine Rd. in rural New Athens, IL for a report of subjects shot. One person died at the scene and two men were transported from the scene with gunshot wounds.
It continues to appear the victims interrupted a burglary to the residence and were shot as a result of arriving while the crime was in progress.
After an extensive investigation by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and follow up investigation by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, two individuals have been identified and charged. Charged are the following:
Michael W. Johnson
Male Age 43
East Carondelet, IL
First Degree Murder, and 2 counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, bond is set at $2,000,000, and he is in custody. Johnson was apprehended in Sunset Hills, MO on 06/16/2022 by the US Marshals.
Also charged is:
Martin J. Morrison
Male Age 43
Cahokia Heights, IL
First Degree Murder, and Residential Burglary, bond set at $1,000,000.
He is also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, bond is set at $50,000. Morrison was taken into custody on 06/14/2022 and remains in the St. Clair County Jail.
These charges were the result of many hours of investigation by 18 investigators from departments all over the metro-east assisting the Sheriff’s Department as part of the Major Case Squad.
Sheriff Watson: I want to thank the Major Case Squad investigators that worked this case, and Assistant St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brian Kerr. These kinds of crimes are overwhelming for most departments, and the hours put in by these investigators over these last 2 weeks is the reason these men are in custody and charged. At least there can be some peace for the victims, and community knowing these dangerous individuals are off the streets.
There is still work to be done, and lab analysis is pending on many items and additional charges could be filed at a later date.
Thank you,
Capt. Bruce W. Fleshren
Deputy Commander
St. Louis Major Case Squad
Chief of Investigations
St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department
