MERCER COUNTY, Ill. — Two people have been arrested and charged with murder in a Mercer County death investigation, officials say.
Back on Dec. 22, 2023, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Office were called to investigate a death in rural Sherrard. Two people were arrested on April 30 as a result of that investigation.
41-year-old William DeWitt of Milan was charged with first-degree murder (class M felony) and drug-induced homicide (class X felony). 52-year-old Susan McFalls of Colona is being held legally accountable and faces the same charges.
DeWitt and McFalls remain in custody. Court records show petitions to deny pretrial release for both suspects have been filed as of Thursday, May 2. DeWitt had an arraignment hearing on Thursday in Mercer County court, with McFalls' preliminary hearing set for Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m.
According to the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, the following agencies assisted with the investigation:
- Illinois State Police Zone 2 Investigations
- Mercer County Coroner's Office
- Aledo Police Department
- Moline Police Department
- Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
- Galesburg Police Department
- Quad City MEG
- Colona Police Department
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