EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said Thursday that a jury found Dustin Shires, a 41-year-old man from Highland, guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his 3-month-old son, Jameson Shires, after a trial in Edwardsville that began Feb. 3.
The verdict came after a trial lasting more than a week that included extensive testimony from multiple medical experts. The jury deliberated for about three hours, Haine said.
Paramedics and police went to the Shires residence in Highland on March 14, 2023, for a report of an unresponsive infant. Jameson was pronounced deceased that evening at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
Haine said the verdict reflected the jury’s “careful consideration of a deeply complex and heartbreaking case.”
“This is an unthinkable crime. A baby’s life was taken,” Haine said. “The details were so difficult that even one of the responding police officers was understandably moved to tears during his testimony. I’m grateful to the jury for their attention and dedication throughout this long and emotional trial.”
Assistant State’s Attorneys Ali Foley, Luke Yager and Rebecca Buettner prosecuted the case, Haine said.
In his opening statement, Yager told jurors that, according to Jameson’s medical providers, the infant was a “happy, healthy baby” until his sudden death.
In her closing argument, Foley pointed to body camera footage showing Shires referring to his son as “it” more than 20 times while speaking with paramedics and police officers, according to Haine’s office.
“He called his own son ‘it’ – over and over and over again,” Foley argued.
Haine also cited what he described as coordinated work by agencies involved in the investigation.
“This case required extraordinary work from many professionals,” Haine said. “We thank the Highland Police Department, Highland Fire Department, Highland EMS, the regional Child Death Investigation Task Force, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the St. Louis City Medical Examiner and the assisting agencies for their tireless efforts. Their commitment ensured that the truth was uncovered and that justice for Jameson could be secured.”
Haine also commended Jameson’s mother, who testified for the prosecution.
“During hours of testimony, she courageously recounted the events surrounding her baby’s death,” Haine said. “We cannot even begin to imagine the loss she has suffered and the pain she has endured. We continue to hold her in our prayers, and hope this guilty verdict is a step toward healing.”
“Little Jameson couldn’t tell us what happened to him. But our prosecution team was able to present evidence and testimony that gave Jameson the voice he never had,” Haine said.
Shires faces up to 60 years in prison when he is sentenced later. Circuit Judge Amy Maher presided at the trial.
