MARION – Following a thorough investigation by the Illinois State Police, Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson has found that the use of force by a deputy in a deadly June officer-involved shooting was legally justified under Illinois law. The findings also conclude that the deputy acted within the scope of the law and in defense of life and safety during the incident.

Hampson sent his findings to Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich in a letter dated last Thursday. Hampson told the sheriff in his letter that as for his office, this matter is  closed. 

According to the sheriff’s office, on June 6, deputies responded to a 911 calling reporting a male suspect, identified as 43-year-old Jesse Shelton of Marion, had forced his way into a home on Drake Road. A woman at the home confronted Shelton and he fled into the woods.

A sheriff’s K-9 tracked Shelton to another home on Pleasant Valley Road where he unlawfully made his way inside. Shelton produced a firearm and pointed it at multiple deputies. A deputy fired his duty weapon, striking Shelton. Shelton died at the scene.

Toxicology results showed Shelton had meth in his system at the time of the incident.