Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
PRESS RELEASE
MCS 21-756
Press Conference
Good afternoon. My name is Brian Koberna, I am a Lieutenant with the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad activated in this case. I would first like to express my deepest sympathy to the family, friends, of the victim in this case.
I would like to commend the tireless efforts of the talented members of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis that worked this case. I would also like to recognize the Members of the Madison Police Department, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Madison County Coroner’s Office, United States Marshal’s Service, Illinois State Police Crime Scene and Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory. This case could not have been solved without their dedication.
On Monday June 7ᵗʰ, 2021, at approximately 11:45 A.M., the Madison Police Department received a 9-1-1 call of a traffic accident and an unresponsive male in the area of 4ᵗʰ St. and Highland Ave., Madison, Illinois.
The Major Case Squad was subsequently activated at the request of the Madison Police Department. Approximately 20 investigators responded to the call and worked until the case was resolved.
The victim was identified as:
Gerald K. Wiley, M/B 35 years of age from the Madison, Illinois
After a thorough investigation four suspects were identified and have been charged. Three of the suspects are facing First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery charges in the juvenile court system. These individuals will not be identified at this time. The fourth suspect has been charged with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery and Aggravated Discharge of Firearm. He is identified as:
Derek L. Miller, M/B, 17 years of age out of East St. Louis, Illinois
The investigation revealed that the victim and his wife were at a gas station in the Madison area where Wiley came into contact with the juveniles. The investigation revealed that Wiley knew at least one of the juveniles. During this interaction, the juveniles robbed Wiley. The juveniles initially ran from the gas station and Wiley left the gas station in what appeared to be an attempt to locate the juveniles.
Miller subsequently shot at Wiley while he was driving in the area of 4ᵗʰ St. and Highland Ave. Wiley’s vehicle then crashed into a tree on 4ᵗʰ St. Wiley exited the vehicle and collapsed nearby. He was subsequently transported to nearby hospital and died as a result of being shot.
Wiley’s wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle was injured as a result of the traffic accident. She was treated at a St. Louis area hospital and is in stable condition.
On June 11, 2021, the Madison County States Attorney’s Office charged Derek L. Miller with First Degree Murder and relating offenses. Investigators are still attempting to locate Miller and encourage anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
This was a thorough and swift investigation with a quick resolution. We investigated over 60 leads and executed numerous search warrants with more likely forthcoming. This case was a good example of good old fashioned police work with persistence and dedication.
The public is encouraged to contact the Major Case Squad with any additional information at 618-709-7750 or the Madison Police Department at 618-876-4300.
Detective Lieutenant Brian Koberna
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Commander Major Case Squad
