|
The sheriff said that authorities were soliciting the community for
information about a vehicle witnesses reported seeing in Beason late
on Sunday night and early Monday morning.
The vehicle of interest is a gray-primered Ford Ranger or Chevy
S-10. Nichols said that another distinguishable feature is that the
chrome exhaust is located in the bed of the truck rather than its
normal position at the rear of the truck.
The sheriff said that if anyone has any information on this
vehicle, they should contact his office at 217-732-4159.
Nichols went on to say that any information regarding this crime
would be appreciated. "We will take any tip anyone has," he said.
"No tip is too small!"
At the Tuesday morning conference, five family members were
confirmed dead: Raymond "Rick" Gee, 46; his wife, Ruth Gee,
39; Justina Constant, 16; Dillen Constant, 14; and Austin
Gee, 11. The sheriff said today that the autopsies were
completed and that he expects to receive the reports soon
for review.
He advised the community to use precautions during this
investigation: "Keep your doors locked, know where your kids are,
and keep an eye on your neighbors."
[to top of second column] |
There was a flurry of media questions when Nichols said that none of
the victims was shot and that no gun was used in the slayings of the
five family members. When asked if that meant the family had been
stabbed, the sheriff would not say. That information would
compromise the investigation.
Passing on any other questions that might interfere with the
ongoing investigation, the sheriff did acknowledge that the
3-year-old family member was in stable condition at a Peoria
hospital. A sheriff's deputy is also at the hospital standing guard.
Nichols also said that none of the Gees' other relatives are in
protective custody.
The next press conference has been scheduled for 4 p.m. on
Thursday.
[By
MIKE FAK] |
