COLLINSVILLE — Illinois State Police are investigating similarities in the recent deaths of three women in the Metro East.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Calvin Brown with Illinois State Police Zone 6 said their investigations have revealed similarities among the three deaths, including lifestyles, locations frequented, the general time of day in which the bodies were discovered and the cause of death each from gunshot wounds.
The first victim was identified July 9 as Sandra D. Reckmann, 49, of Alhambra. Her body was discovered in an area of overgrown vegetation in the 1600 block of 56th Street in Washington Park at about 5 a.m. by Washington Park Police.
At about 3:10 a.m. July 10, the second victim — identified as Bridgette B. Williams, 56, of Washington Park — was discovered in the John Thornton Memorial Park in Washington Park, in the 5000 Audubon Ave. Her body was discovered by Washington Park Police after receiving a 911 call.
On Sunday, July 21, East St. Louis Police responded at about 4:48 a.m. to a report of a person down near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Bellevue Street in East St Louis. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Amanda M. Legare, 38, of Belleville. Her body was located just off the roadway in an area of overgrown vegetation.
Illinois State Police, Washington Park, and East St. Louis Police Departments have established extra patrols in the area of the murders. They also are asking the public’s help in reporting any information that might be related to the investigations; people may call 618-346-3721. People interested in a reward who want to remain anonymous also can call Crimestoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
