MCS Report #247
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: Belleville Police Department
Date of Activation: 11/03/1994
Commander and Department: Capt. James Lay, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Dept
Deputy Report Officer and Department: Lt. Otto Jakob, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Dept
Victim: Sharon Elaine Bushong
Suspects: Frederick M. Hoffman and Gerald M. Simpson
The Belleville Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Sharon Bushong. At approximately 12:58am, police officers responded to the Convenient Food Mart (9618 West Main Street) for a report of an injured person. When police arrived, they located employee Sharon Bushong (age 34) on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound. She had been shot during a robbery of the convenience store. She was transported to the hospital where she died.
As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connection with Sharon’s death:
Frederick Hoffman (age 27) - 1st Degree Murder - Bond $1,000,000
Gerald Simpson (age 19) - 1st Degree Murder - Bond $500,000
