Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
PRESS RELEASE
08/27/2019
The Major Case Squad had been called to investigate an apparent homicide which occurred at 785 Mildred Avenue Cahokia, IL at approximately 3:25 am on 08/22/2019. The victim Mahir Smajic of St. Louis, MO was found dead in his vehicle.
After locating and interviewing witnesses who were present at the time of the shooting, Major Case Squad investigators developed a person of interest.
That person of interest was located in Godfrey, IL in the afternoon of 08/25/2019 and taken into custody without incident. He was held at the Cahokia Police Department pending warrant application.
On 08/26/2019, a warrant application was made to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for the subject in custody. The State’s Attorney’s Office initially took the case under advisement pending further review. After continued review, the State’s Attorney’s Office re-contacted the Major Case Squad and stated that in fact charges would be issued.
Charged in this matter is:
Celdre L. Ross
Male Age 24
785 Mildred Ave
Cahokia, IL
Ross is charged with one count of a felon in possession of a firearm, a Class 2 felony. Bond was set at $50,000. Ross will be held at the St. Clair County Jail pending bond.
All persons charged are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Major Case Squad has concluded its participation in this investigation and turned all materials over to the Cahokia Police Department. Please contact the Cahokia Police Department at 618-337-9505, Capt. Dennis Plew, for any other information.
Thank you,
Capt. Bruce Fleshren
Deputy Commander
Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
