St. Louis Major Case Squad Investigations

Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
PRESS RELEASE

Date: October 25, 2024

Subject: Major Case Squad Press Release – Charges Filed in Cahokia Heights Homicide

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at approximately 10:09 PM, the Cahokia Heights Police Department received a call of a shooting. A male subject was shot in his vehicle in the area of 5895 Mitchell Lane, Cahokia Heights, Illinois. The male victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The decedent is identified as:

Lakarlo D. Williams
Black Male,
48 years of age
Cahokia Heights, Illinois

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated to investigate this matter. During the course of a 3-day investigation, approximately 16 investigators from the Major Case Squad worked tirelessly on the case.

On Friday, October 25, 2024, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric’s Office filed the following charges in reference to this investigation:

James Lamont Crumble
58 Years Old
Cahokia Heights, IL

• First Degree Murder
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon
• No Bond

At this time, James is in custody in the St. Clair County Jail.

Official Statement from State’s Attorney James Gomric’s Office:

On October 25, 2024, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged James Crumble with First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. Crumble was on parole for a 1996 conviction for First Degree Murder at the time of this offense. Therefore, if convicted, Crumble faces a mandatory sentence of natural life imprisonment.

Crumble previously was sentenced to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; however, it was prior to truth in sentencing, which now requires those convicted of First Degree Murder to serve 100% of their sentence.

State’s Attorney James Gomric added:

“The charges issued today are a testament to the tenacity, skill, and diligence of the investigators of the Major Case Squad. I offer them my sincere appreciation for their efforts and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Lakarlo Williams.”

The Major Case Squad would also like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Lakarlo Williams. This was an unfortunate and senseless crime.

At this point in the investigation, the public should be aware that this incident was not a random act.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Respectfully Submitted,
Detective Sergeant Kyle Bade
Deputy Commander
Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis