ALTON, Ill. — A man from Ferguson was charged in the death of a Maryland Heights man in Alton, the Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine said.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Antonio Baker, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Friday in the death of 34-year-old Andre Hawkins.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Body of unidentified man found in wooded area in Alton, Illinois, Wednesday
According to Baker's detention petition, police believed he was seen putting Hawkins' body into a truck he owns in Florissant. The truck then arrived in Alton at 11:09 p.m. and drove to Lincoln Avenue's edge. Officers reportedly heard multiple gunshots at around 11:29 p.m., and Baker was seen driving the truck away from the scene at 11:30 p.m.
Hawkins' body was later found 50 feet off the road where Baker was seen parking his truck, the petition said. Hawkins had 15 gunshot wounds to his body.
A search warrant of Baker's home recovered a handgun and shotgun, along with ammunition that matches the caliber of the shell casings found at the scene, the petition said.
“Our condolences go out to Andre’s family and friends,” Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. “It is my hope that Andre’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that the Alton Police Department and the many agencies involved in this investigation have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Andre.”
This is a developing story. This article will be updated with the latest information as it is released.
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