Police: 3 suspects in custody in connection to fatal shooting of Collinsville woman
[Update: January 25, 2025 at 8:15 p.m.]
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (First Alert 4) - Three suspects are in custody Saturday in connection to the fatal shooting of Portia Rowland.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis says the identity of the three suspects are not being released pending formal charges. Investigators told First Alert 4 they plan on applying for charges on Monday.
According to police, 32-year-old Rowland was found fatally shot just after 6 a.m. Tuesday near a garage in the 1300 block of Olive Street in Collinsville.
The investigation remains active and police ask that anyone with information to call the Major Case Squad at 618-344-2131 ext. 5927 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
[Original Story: January 22, 2025 at 5:45 p.m.]
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (First Alert 4) - The Major Case Squad has been activated to investigate a homicide in Collinsville on Tuesday.
According to the Major Case Squad, Portia L. Rowland, 32, was found fatally shot near a garage in the 1300 block of Olive Street shortly after 6 a.m. First Alert 4 confirmed that Rowland was an employee of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.
Investigators released photos Wednesday of a suspect they are looking for.
Sierra Payne said she never expected to hear gunshots in her neighborhood, let alone outside the house next door.
“Our neighbors are really nice. They’re reserved and to themselves,” Payne said. “She was really sweet. She used to come out and say hi with her dogs.”
Payne said she woke up to three gunshots and then heard police sirens.
“It was a little scary. It’s a very quiet neighborhood,” Payne said.
More than 30 investigators from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis are assisting with the investigation.
At this time, Collinsville Police say they do not believe there is an active threat in the area.
Sharilyn Lyerla lives across the street and described Rowland as a friendly neighbor.
“Scary. It’s like my heart is pounding. This is close. This hit home,” Lyerla said.
First Alert 4 spoke to another neighbor who wanted to be anonymous for safety reasons. That neighbor said he heard three gunshots while he was sitting at his kitchen table and immediately called 911.
“As soon as we heard it we knew what it was,” he said.
That neighbor said he gave video footage to the police, where he said you can hear a woman screaming and see someone run down the street.
“They do not harm a fly. They aren’t even outside. They might do their yard work and go right back in. They don’t pester nobody,” he said.
A spokesperson for MSD sent First Alert 4 this statement:
We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our teammates. Portia was a dedicated and talented member of our team, whose contributions greatly impacted our organization and the people of the St. Louis region. Our hearts go out to Portia’s family, friends, and anyone who knew her.
Lyerla said nothing like this has happened in the decades she’s lived here.
“I’m concerned about should we move. A bullet is for life,” Lyerla said.
Anyone with information that can assist the Major Case Squad with their investigation should call 618-344-2131 Ext. 5924 or Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
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