Jackson County State's Attorney's Office

09/04/2026

Mark your calendars: 9/8 is ! Join the nationwide effort to raise awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and promote accessible mental health support. This year's theme, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," is a reminder that you don't have to be in crisis to reach out. Whatever you're facing - big or small - your reason for seeking support is reason enough. Learn more and find out how to get involved at samhsa.gov/988Day.

09/02/2026

Everyone's journey is different. There is no single path to healing. What matters is support, someone who listens without judgment, and the belief that healing is possible. 988. No judgment. Just help. 988lifeline.org
***dePrevention

08/31/2026

First-degree Murder charges have been filed against Romello T. Merriweather in connection with the stabbing that killed 52-year-old Troy Higgins of Murphysboro. This case remains under active investigation by the Carbondale Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD at (618) 549-2121.
Heartland News
https://loom.ly/AB7OgUc

The man accused of stabbing two people in Carbondale is now charged with murder after one of the victims died.

08/28/2026

Walter Charles "Chuck" Grace, 79, of Carbondale died July 24, 2026. Known professionally as W. Charles Grace, he spent five decades in Southern Illinois law as a public defender, state's attorney, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and Illinois circuit court judge, earning a reputation for fairness and integrity. Jackson County State’s Attorney Marsha L. Cascio-Hale noted "He has made an indelible mark in the Jackson County court system, as well as our community. He will be missed."

A Duke University graduate with a law degree from the University of Tennessee, he is survived by his son, daughter, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. A Celebration of Life reception will be held Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. at Giant City Lodge.

CARBONDALE — Walter Charles Grace, known professionally as W. Charles Grace and to family and friends as Chuck, died July 24, 2026, at the age of 79.

08/27/2026

You may not always know what someone is experiencing. A check-in, a listening ear, a number shared at the right moment, can make a real difference. ***dePrevention starts with connection. ***dePrevention

08/26/2026

The Jackson County State's Attorney's Office has filed new felony charges against Christian C. Kistner, 30, of Elkville, in connection with the deadly crash on U.S. Highway 51 in DeSoto on August 14. Kistner now faces two counts of felony reckless homicide and driving with a revoked license involving personal injury or death, in addition to the DUI and driving with a revoked license charges filed earlier.

The crash claimed the lives of 20-year-old Mariana F. Fabian of Alto Pass and her unborn son, Xavier D. Lopez. At the time of the crash, Kistner was on pre-trial release for a DUI charge from April.

Kistner is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 1 at 1:15 p.m. This office extends its deepest condolences to the Fabian and Lopez families and remains committed to pursuing justice on their behalf.

New felony charges emerge following a deadly crash on Friday that claimed the life of a southern Illinois woman--and her unborn son.

08/24/2026

The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes defendants accused of causing physical harm to a person whom the defendant has a domestic relationship. We are here to assist victims of domestic violence and their families by offering a variety of services, referrals, and information.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, we would like to speak with you. Please contact our Victim Advocate at 618-687-7212, or e-mail at [email protected].
Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance; or
Go to your local police station; or Contact The Survivor Empowerment Center at (618) 549-4807; 610 S. Thompson Street, Carbondale, IL 62901

Source: Cleveland Clinic

08/19/2026

A 33-year-old St. Louis woman is facing armed robbery and resisting a peace officer charges after Carbondale Police say she robbed a business on East Walnut Street at gunpoint on Aug. 5. Officers located her nearby and took her into custody after a brief foot chase; she is now held in the Jackson County Jail pending a detention hearing.

A St. Louis woman faces charges after law enforcement alleged she robbed a Carbondale business Wednesday.

08/17/2026

An 18-year-old Mount Vernon man, Daryon Bowdry, has been sentenced to nine and a half years for attempted armed robbery following a November 2025 home invasion in Carbondale. Bowdry and his brother allegedly held a man at gunpoint demanding a firearm, and the victim shot Bowdry's brother in self-defense. The Jackson County State's Attorney's Office secured the plea.KFVS-TV
https://loom.ly/dp1g-LU

Daryon Bowdry pleaded guilty in Jackson County court, Cascio-Hale said.

08/14/2026

Jackson County's July speeding crackdown netted 18 speeding tickets, 3 drug arrests, and 2 fugitives, see the full breakdown from JCSO's joint effort with IDOT and Illinois State Police.
WPSD-TV

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office announced in early July that it would partner with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police to curb speeding within the community.