A 47-year-old man is dead after a shooting in a Belle Rive parking lot on Sunday morning.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as James D. Cross of Dahlgren.
Dispatchers received a 911 call about an unresponsive man around 7:10 a.m.
Deputies arrived at the 21800 block of East Bonnie Road to find Cross at the scene.
Sheriff’s detectives and the county coroner were called in immediately to investigate.
Illinois State Police Crime Scene technicians also arrived to process the parking lot for evidence.
An autopsy performed Sunday afternoon confirmed that Cross died from a gunshot wound.
Detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department are now assisting with the ongoing homicide case.
No suspects have been named, and police have not yet released a motive for the violence.
Friends of the victim are mourning the sudden loss on social media.
One acquaintance described Cross as someone who was “always so kind.”
Others expressed shock, calling him a “nice” person who deserves justice.
Recent History
While Belle Rive is a smaller community, the surrounding Jefferson County area has seen a rise in violent incidents.
Mt. Vernon, located just miles away, has struggled with a series of shootings over the last year.
Local residents say they are increasingly worried about safety in public parking areas after dark.
This shooting marks another tragic chapter for a region dealing with a spike in gun-related deaths.
Authorities are asking anyone who saw anything unusual on East Bonnie Road Sunday morning to come forward.
Investigators are specifically looking for any video surveillance from nearby businesses or homes.
You can contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-244-8004 ext. 225.
Anonymous tips can also be called into Crimestoppers at 618-244-8477.
