One month later: Fatal hit and run of pedestrian remains unsolved in Jo Daviess County

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

JO DAVIESS COUNTY, Ill. - The Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office is still asking for the public's help one month after a woman was found dead near Warren. On the morning of Aug. 29, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office responded to Illinois Route 78, just northwest of Warren, for an unresponsive woman laying in … Continue reading One month later: Fatal hit and run of pedestrian remains unsolved in Jo Daviess County

Court docs reveal more details about charges against Mercer County Schools employees

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

MERCER COUNTY, Ill. - Court documents obtained Thursday have revealed more details about criminal charges filed against the Mercer County School District Superintendent and two employees. On Thursday, court records show all three district employees were formally charged with Official Misconduct, a Class 3 Felony. In addition, all three were charged with Unauthorized Access to … Continue reading Court docs reveal more details about charges against Mercer County Schools employees

Mercer Co. Schools Superintendent, two employees, charged with official misconduct

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ALEDO, Ill. — The Mercer County School District Superintendent and two employees were charged with official misconduct Wednesday after police say they illegally accessed students' medical records. According to Aledo Police and the Mercer County State's Attorney, investigators collected enough evidence to execute a search warrant at the district's office in Joy on Wednesday, where … Continue reading Mercer Co. Schools Superintendent, two employees, charged with official misconduct

New cause of death sealed from public for man found in Galesburg drainage ditch 7 years ago

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

GALESBURG, Ill. - A second autopsy for a man found dead in a Galesburg drainage ditch in 2018 uncovered a new cause of death, but remains sealed from the public on the seventh anniversary of his death. Tyler Smith, 23, was reported missing in Galesburg on the morning of Sep. 15, 2018, after he failed … Continue reading New cause of death sealed from public for man found in Galesburg drainage ditch 7 years ago

Utah man could face death penalty if convicted for Charlie Kirk assassination

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

UTAH COUNTY, Utah - A Utah man charged in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could face the death penalty if convicted at trial. Tyler Robinson, 22, faces multiple felony charges including Aggravated Murder and Obstruction of Justice. He is accused of shooting and killing Kirk during a scheduled public event on the campus … Continue reading Utah man could face death penalty if convicted for Charlie Kirk assassination

Dispatch audio captures response to Charlie Kirk assassination, search for suspect

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

OREM, Utah - Conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed at a speaking event in Utah Wednesday in an apparent political assassination. It happened around 12:23 p.m. on the campus of Utah Valley University located in Orem, Utah where Kirk was hosting hundreds of students for a scheduled event on his … Continue reading Dispatch audio captures response to Charlie Kirk assassination, search for suspect

Retiring chief defends police department’s handling of murder investigation

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ROCK FALLS, Ill. - Less than one month before retiring from the Rock Falls Police Department, Chief David Pilgrim wants to set the record straight on an investigation resulting in the dismissal of first-degree murder earlier this year. Pilgrim has been with the Rock Falls Police Department since 2001. He was appointed Chief in early … Continue reading Retiring chief defends police department’s handling of murder investigation

Rock Falls Police Chief to announce retirement amid fallout from flawed investigation

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ROCK FALLS, Ill. - Rock Falls Police Chief David Pilgrim is soon expected to announce his retirement amid the fallout from a flawed investigation earlier this year. Click here to see an update to this story. More than one alderman told me Pilgrim notified city council of his decision last week. Pilgrim has been with … Continue reading Rock Falls Police Chief to announce retirement amid fallout from flawed investigation

First-degree murder charge dropped for Rock Falls man after flawed investigation

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ROCK FALLS, Ill. - A first-degree murder charge in connection to a fatal stabbing in Rock Falls was dismissed after details of a flawed investigation conducted by police were revealed during pretrial. Click here to see an update to this story. https://kylejbales.com/2025/09/03/retiring-chief-defends-investigation-resulting-in-dismissed-first-degree-murder-charge/ Kyle Cooper, 36, of Rock Falls, was set to stand trial on one … Continue reading First-degree murder charge dropped for Rock Falls man after flawed investigation

Criminal case against former deputy charged in death of Jackson Kradle continued for 90 days

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

MT. CARROLL, Ill. - The criminal case against a former deputy charged in the death of Jackson Kradle is continued for 90 days. Matthew Herpstreith, 44, appeared in court Friday for a pretrial status hearing alongside defense attorney Joe Nack. Special Prosecutor Charles Colburn represented the State. Herpstreith faces multiple felony charges including Reckless Homicide … Continue reading Criminal case against former deputy charged in death of Jackson Kradle continued for 90 days