ALTON, Ill. — A man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Eldon “Twirp” Williams, a beloved Village Trustee in Godfrey.
Donald M. Nelson was charged with eight counts: three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of attempted armed robbery, criminal trespassing to a resident, armed violence, unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and possession of a stolen firearm, Alton Police announced Wednesday afternoon.
Police responded to the 200 block of West Delmar Avenue in Alton Tuesday morning for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived to find 87-year-old Williams shot to death.
Nelson went into a nearby house at 9 Rosa Avenue knowing that someone would be inside, the charging documents stated. He had a 9mm handgun--which was stolen--and he didn't have a permit to carry it, State's Attorney Thomas Gibbons said.
Nelson then shot Williams in the head, killing him, according to the charging document. Bail was set at $5,000,000.
The mayor told 5 On Your Side police told him the act of violence was random. Williams was at city hall Tuesday morning before he was found shot to death.
Williams is a longtime resident of Godfrey and is married with six daughters. He is listed as a Trustee on the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees website.
Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick had been a friend and colleague of Williams' for more than 30 years.
"He was the one trustee who was in this village hall every day," said McCormick. "It was just an honor and a privilege to serve with such a wonderful man."
McCormick showed 5 On Your Side a wall inside Village Hall decorated with photos of Williams over the years.
"This is Twirp's wall here. This has been going on for quite a few years," he said.
Some photos celebrated Williams' accomplishments in local government. Others were just downright silly.
"Here's a photo or Twirp at his 87th birthday party, at a bar," the mayor said with a laugh.
McCormick never imagined "Twirp's wall" would become a memorial to his good friend. But he says it's not the only way Williams will be remembered.
"Twirp was just loved by everybody," McCormick said. "I think he'll always be known as Mr. Godfrey."
McCormick says the Village of Godfrey is working on a permanent way to memorialize Williams.
