Police say deaths of 2 in Moline a homicide

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - Police say the deaths of a man and woman found in two Moline homes was a homicide and connected the two to the same suspect.

That suspect, identified as 55-year-old Chad Hillyer of Aledo, was later found dead in Iowa.

According to a media release from Moline Police:

Police responded at 9:41 a.m. to a home in the 3300 block of 25th Avenue for an “unknown medical problem” reported by another person in the home.

Officers found 55-year-old Steven Herring dead in the home. Crime Scene Investigators determined Herring had been shot by a handgun and found a shell casing in the home.

Police also responded at 10:37 a.m. to a home in the 1800 block of 46th Street for an “unknown medical problem” reported by a neighbor.

Officers said they found 79- year-old Donna Ericson dead. CSI determined Ericson had been shot by a handgun and found a shell casing in the residence.

Moline police requested assistance from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office for additional investigators as well as the Illinois State Police to process the crime scene.

Detectives learned Hillyer was the son of Ericson and a close friend of Herring.

Investigators continued to gather evidence, including cell phone records, residential, commercial, and city video, and found a vehicle owned by Hillyer, a white 2007 GMC truck, on video near both homes early Wednesday.

Investigators determined Hillyer had property in rural Aledo. Around 3 p.m., Moline police searched the property.

Members of the Illinois State Police SWAT, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moline Police Department executed a search warrant at the Aledo property and Hillyer was not found.

CSI found a shell casing at the property. Officers determined after testing the three casings had been fired from the same handgun.

Coralville police were called to a suspicious vehicle at 9 p.m. on a rural road just off I-380 on the border with Tiffin. Hillyer was found dead inside from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was taken from the vehicle.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson is conducting an autopsy on Herring and Ericson on Friday.

The death of Hillyer is being investigated by the Johnson County Medical Examiner and further tests and examinations are pending in their jurisdiction, the release said.

Police ask anyone with information to call the police department at 309-797-0401, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 309-762- 9500, or through the P3 Tips App.

“Our thoughts are with the families impacted by this tragedy. This is an extremely large and complex case and we are grateful for the assistance and collaboration from several law enforcement partners,” Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said in the release.

Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said in a release, “Many thanks go to our police officers and all other agencies that worked with us to keep our community safe during this uncertain time. The collaboration and dedication to their work is highly commendable and we are extremely grateful for their work. On behalf of City Council, we acknowledge the pain and grief experienced by the families who have lost a loved one. Our hearts are with all who are impacted by this tragedy and we stand with them to offer support and understanding.”