- the murder of an elderly man in Whiteside County, Illinois
- the murder of two individuals in Festus, Missouri
- the murder of an individual in Galesburg, Illinois
- the murder of three adults and one child in Rock Falls, Illinois
All eight victims appear to have been killed by blunt force trauma to the head.
“Nicholas T. Sheley is suspected of violently taking eight lives in the span of a few days. The FBI will bring to bear all of its investigative resources to assist the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police in bringing Sheley to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Grant, FBI Chicago Division.
“We ask that citizens remain alert and report any suspicious activity that may lead to Sheley’s location and arrest. With the vigilance of the public, we can end Sheley’s violent killing spree,” said Sheriff Roger Schipper, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
"Sheley should be considered violent and extremely dangerous, and we are working diligently with our partners, the FBI and the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office, to apprehend him," said Director Larry G. Trent, Illinois State Police.
Nicholas T. Sheley is described as a white male, 28 years of age, 5’11”, approximately 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his arms, chest, and shoulders. He has a criminal history of armed violence and resisting arrest. Sheley should be considered armed and dangerous.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information leading directly to the arrest of Nicholas T. Sheley. Sheley’s picture is featured on digital billboards across the country. Individuals with information should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office call center at 1-866-219-8333 (toll-free) or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (toll-free). Tips can also be submitted online. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
For more information, visit www.fbi.gov.
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