St. Louis Major Case Squad Investigations

Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM

Major Case Squad announces charges in Granite City investigation

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is announcing charges related to the activation in Granite City, Illinois, on April 24, 2025.

The victim has been identified as Kenneth L. Whitehorn, a 58-year-old Black male from St. Louis, Missouri.

Over the past five days, twenty-seven investigators have worked tirelessly, following up on approximately ninety-two leads to bring this case to resolution.

The following individuals have been charged by Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine regarding this investigation:

DeWayne Franklin, a 41-year-old Black male from St. Louis, Missouri:

• Count I: First degree murder (Class M felony)
• Count II: First degree murder (Class M felony)
• Count III: Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony)
• Count IV: Aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (Class 4 felony)

Brittany D. Howard, a 37-year-old Black female from St. Louis, Missouri:

• Count I: First degree murder (Class M felony)
• Count II: First degree murder (Class M felony)
• Count III: First degree murder (Class M felony)
• Count IV: Armed robbery (Class X felony)

Michael McCollum, a 75-year-old Black male from Florissant, Missouri:

• Count I: Obstructing justice (Class 4 felony)
• Count II: Obstructing justice (Class 4 felony)
• Count III: Aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (Class 4 felony)

The Honorable Judge Schroeder signed arrest warrants for all three suspects and ordered that they be held pending a detention hearing once transferred to the Madison County Jail.

McCollum and Franklin are currently in custody in the St. Louis County Jail.
Howard remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding Howard’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

Original release below:

Major Case Squad called to Granite City

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 9:33 a.m., officers from the Granite City Police Department responded to the area of Alton Street and Pontoon Road, Granite City, Madison County, Illinois, in reference to a deceased individual.

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was requested by Granite City Police Chief Colonel Gary Brooks to assist with the investigation. Captain Adam Connor of the Granite City Police Department is the Deputy Commander for this activation.

The Major Case Squad is asking the community for any information related to this incident. Information can be provided to the Major Case Squad Command Post at 618-877-6111 ext: 1104 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

All updates will be posted on X (Twitter).

Sgt. Andrew Pierson
Public Information Officer
Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
Twitter: @MajorCaseSTL
Media contact: (618) 433-8928
Email: apierson@cityofaltonil.gov