BELLE RIVE, Ill. — The community is mourning the tragic loss of James D. Cross, 47, of Dahlgren, Illinois, who was found unresponsive early Sunday morning in Belle Rive.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:12 a.m. to a parking lot in the 21800 block of East Bonnie Road following a 911 call reporting an unresponsive man. Upon arrival, first responders pronounced Cross deceased at the scene.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later conducted an autopsy, which determined that Cross died as a result of a gunshot wound. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
Detectives with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse, crime scene technicians from the Illinois State Police, and detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.
James Cross’s sudden death has left family, friends, and those who knew him grieving an unexpected and heartbreaking loss. Community members are remembering him as a life taken far too soon.
Sheriff Jeff Bullard is urging anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective Captain Jeremy Wilton at 618-244-8004, extension 225, or by email at jwilton@jeffersoncounty.illinois.gov.
As the investigation continues, loved ones and the surrounding community continue to mourn and await answers while honoring the memory of James D. Cross.
