News
19-year-old Omarion Williams charged with murder of 27-year-old Aaron Metts
Williams will be transported to the St. Clair County Jail and held pending a detention hearing.
“Charges of first-degree murder have been filed against 19-year-old Omarion Williams from East St. Louis, in connection with the shooting that claimed the life of Aaron Metts, a 27-year-old resident of Belleville.
Metts tragically lost his life after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the incident on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of North 1st Street and West B Street.”
Aaron Metts, a 27-year-old resident of Belleville, was declared deceased at the intersection of North 1st Street and West B Street at 1:05 p.m., as confirmed by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.
His passing was attributed to multiple gunshot wounds. Metts was most recently associated with an address on the 100 block of North First Street.
Following a report of multiple gunshots around noon, Belleville police officers were dispatched to North 1st Street and West B Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered a male victim who had sustained gunshot injuries,” stated Heffernan.
After a preliminary investigation, detectives identified a person of interest believed to be in a nearby residence. Belleville police collaborated with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office to obtain multiple search warrants linked to the case.
He further stated, “The Belleville/St. Clair Regional Special Response Team proceeded to the residence, where they executed the search warrants and apprehended the person of interest.” Heffernan confirmed that the individual in question is an adult male, currently in custody with the Belleville Police Department pending further inquiry.
He emphasized, “We do not perceive an ongoing threat in this area. This incident is entirely unrelated to the Belleville Chili Cook-off, and there was never any danger posed to the event in any manner.
