ALTON – Charges have been filed against an Alton resident after a man was fatally shot in the early morning of March 10, 2026, in the 700 block of Oakwood Estates, Alton Police said on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The Alton Police Department said the victim was identified as John T. Anthony, 42, of Alton. Police said the case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, and that charges were issued in connection with the shooting.
As a result of the investigation, Isaih R. Pierson, a 19-year-old male from Alton, Illinois, has been formally charged in Madison County Circuit Court with the following offenses:
• Count I: First Degree Murder – Class M Felony.
• Count II: First Degree Murder – Class M Felony.
• Count III: Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons – Class 4 Felony.
Gnyia D. Hardimon, a 20-year-old female from Alton, Illinois, has also been charged with Obstructing Justice.
“Our officers responded quickly, rendered aid, and took the suspect into custody without incident. From there, the detectives in our Criminal Investigation Division put in solid work to bring this case to a quick resolution,” Chief Jarrett Ford said.
The Honorable Judge Mayer reviewed the charging documents, signed the arrest warrants, and ordered that Pierson be remanded to the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing pursuant to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, police said. Hardimon will be released from custody on conditions of release, police said.
“On behalf of the Alton Police Department, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Anthony during this difficult time,” Chief Ford said.
Chief Ford said they received assistance in the investigation from the Alton Fire Department, Illinois State Police, Madison County Coroner’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
