FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Fairview Heights Police Department is conducting a death investigation after a female resident of the Winchester Apartment complex was found deceased in a small lake between apartment buildings at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in Fairview Heights.
The Fairview Heights Police Department received a call about a body floating in the lake, according to information released by Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson. Officers and the Fairview Fire Department responded and confirmed the person was deceased.
Illinois State Police Crime Scene was called to the scene, Johnson said. The body was removed from the lake, and police confirmed the person was a resident of the complex, he added.
Authorities said her identity is not being released until all family members have been notified.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a search warrant for her residence and vehicle. Investigators processed both locations.
An autopsy will be conducted. Police said the case remains an ongoing death investigation and that more information will be released when possible.
