CARLYLE, Illinois — An Illinois community is mourning the death of a woman, shot and killed over the weekend. Her boyfriend is behind bars, facing four first-degree murder charges.
Joseph Link said 24-year-old Alexis Maki was his best friend and part of his family. On Saturday, Nov. 4, he received a phone call from Alexis' mom that changed all of that.
"It was hard, I never lost a friend so close," Link said.
Link said Alexis texted him the morning of her death and told him she was having a rough day. He said Alexis had broken up with her boyfriend, 25-year-old Emmet Metzger, in late October. Link said Alexis was lured back to her apartment on Hanover Street in New Baden, Illinois, so Metzger could say "goodbye" to the animals they shared together.
"We actually had plans to go on a cruise together in Alaska. And so she won't be able to go do that. So it's gonna be hard," Link said.
Among those also grieving is Alexis' former Wesclin High School teacher Ted Crail.
"It's just unreal. It still doesn't seem real. It's so unfair that such a beautiful spirit can be taken from us in this way," Crail said.
Crail led a group called "LifeSavers," a peer-support suicide and crisis prevention program designed to help teenagers cope with challenges. Alexis was in the group her freshmen year and became a group leader her senior year.
"If more people can become aware of this program, and help their peers through tough times. That would be a way that we could offer a tribute or a legacy to [Alexis]," Crail said.
Both Crail and Link said their emotions are filled with sadness and anger.
"Life in prison is what he deserves. He deserves to not be seen by anyone. I wish we didn't talk about him," Link added.
In Illinois, one suspect can be charged with multiple counts of murder for the same crime. In this murder case, Metzger is charged four times, according to the Clinton County State's Attorney.
Counts 1 and 2 are first-degree murder charges with firearm enhancements. Counts 3 and 4 are first-degree murder charges based on the intent to kill or do great bodily harm and knowing such an act created a strong probability of death.
Alexis was also a radiology student at Kaskaskia College and a bartender at Grit and Tonic.
"The Grit and Tonic team will need a lot of time to heal. We will be closing our doors for a few weeks. We promise to keep you posted on our reopening, likely after Thanksgiving," the bar said in a Facebook post.
Clinton County State's Attorney J.D. Brandmeyer released the following statement about Alexis' death:
"I can't begin to imagine the pain and anguish that Alexis' family and friends are experiencing. My office will continue to seek justice and prosecute those who commit such senseless violent acts in our communities," Brandmeyer said.
Funeral services for Alexis are on Nov. 11 in Mascoutah, Illinois, at First Baptist Church. Click here for more information.