PERRYVILLE – Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus has released the following statement regarding Sunday morning’s incident on I-55:
“On Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:23 a.m., Perry County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified of a vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 55 and wanted in connection with a homicide investigation from Belleville, Illinois.
“Deputies located and attempted to stop the vehicle, described as a silver Chevrolet Impala, near the 138.6 mile marker. As the deputies were attempting to stop the vehicle, they observed a single gunshot originating from inside the vehicle. After several verbal commands were given, deputies and officers from the Perryville Police Department approached the vehicle and observed the driver, later identified as Christopher Boyd, deceased. No one else was located inside the vehicle.
“The Perry County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Perryville Police Department, Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Mercy Perry EMS, and the Perry County Coroner’s Office for their assistance during the incident and investigation.”
This is a portion of a statement fronm the Belleville Police Department released Sunday and published in Monday’s Sun Times News Online:
“On Saturday, January 17, 2026, around 2319 hours, Belleville and Swansea Police Departments responded to the 1700 block of Jamestown Road Belleville, Illinois in reference to multiple shots fired.
“Upon law enforcement arrival, three victims were identified. One female victim was deceased in the roadway, and two other female victims were occupying a vehicle in an adjacent parking lot. One victim occupying the vehicle was injured from gun fire.
“Due to criminal offenses occurring in both law enforcement jurisdictions and the homicide scene was in the middle of the roadway, Belleville Police Department took lead of the investigation.
“A known acquaintance of the victims was identified as the suspect to include a suspect vehicle. A regional law enforcement BOLO was broadcast for the suspect and vehicle.
“On Sunday, January 18, around 0230 hours, Perry County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri located the suspect vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 55. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. Prior to law enforcement having contact with the suspect, he took his own life from what is believed to be self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The Belleville Police Department stated there is an ongoing investigation underway.
If you have any information relevant to the investigation, please contact Belleville Police Department Investigations Division at 618-234-1212.