MCS Report #155
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department
Date of Activation: 10/25/1987
Commander and Department: Capt. James Lay, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Dept
Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Stephen Springer, Fairview Heights PD
Victim: Vassie V. Van Hooser III
Suspects: Joseph L. Reed and David A. Sory
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Vassie Van Hooser (age 21). At approximately 7:15am, deputies responded to a creek bed west of Old Sand Road and south of Old Sand Road / Black Quarter Road intersection (near New Athens) for a report of a hunter that found a body. There they located the body of Vassie Van Hooser. He had been shot and was pronounced dead on scene.
As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connection with Vassie’s death:
David Sory (age 21) - 1st Degree Murder - $150,000 bond - He was later additionally charged with Kidnapping and Concealment of a Homicidal Death.
Joseph Reed (age 25) - 1st Degree Murder - $150,000 bond
