St. Louis Major Case Squad Investigations

MCS Report #827

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Collinsville Police Department

Date of Activation: 01/21/2025

Commander and Department:  Lt. Eric Owen, Collinsville Police Department

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Lt. Keith Jackson, Collinsville Police Department

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Sgt. Paul Clark, Madison County Sheriff’s Department

Victim: Portia Louise Rowland

Suspects: Sammy J. Schafer, Gary Johnson, and Marty D. Shaw

The Collinsville Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Portia Rowland (age 32). At approximately 6:06am, officers responded to the 1300 block of Olive Street for a report of gunshots. There they found Portia lying on her driveway. She had been shot and was pronounced dead on scene.

As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connection with Portia’s death:

  • Sammy Schafer - 2 counts 1st Degree Murder and 2 counts of Solicitation/Murder-for-Hire
  • Gary Johnson - 2 counts 1st Degree Murder and 1 count Possession of Firearm
  • Marty Shaw - 2 counts 1st Degree Murder

Major Case Squad Press Releases

"Squad Membership is Regarded Not Only as a Honor, but as an Opportunity. It is Police Work at its Purest."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sunday, March 7, 1982

MAJOR CASE SQUAD OF GREATER ST. LOUIS
1700 N Hwy 67
Florissant, Missouri 63031
(314) 831-7000
ST. LOUIS REGIONAL CRIMESTOPPERS
1-866-371-TIPS (8477)Visit Site
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting multi-agency homicide investigations across the St. Louis region.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram