Romel Gilliam, a 26-year-old African American male from Milan, Illinois, tragically lost his life on May 23, 2022, in Monmouth, Illinois. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the 300 block of South Ninth Street. According to reports, Gilliam was found at the scene with severe injuries and was transported to OSF Holy Family Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
The Monmouth Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the shooting, which was believed to be the result of a botched drug deal.
The primary suspect in the case, Spencer Sage, an 18-year-old male from Monmouth, turned himself in to the authorities on May 25, 2022. Sage was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of Romel Gilliam. The investigation revealed that Sage had fired shots from a vehicle during the incident. Warren County State's Attorney Thomas Siegel stated that the shooting was not random and was linked to a drug deal that went wrong. Sage's bond was set at $500,000, and he was appointed a public defender, though he had the option to hire private counsel.
The case against Spencer Sage proceeded with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 23, 2022. The investigation remained active, with authorities looking into the possibility of additional suspects and charges. The tragic death of Romel Gilliam highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence and drug-related crimes in the community. The Monmouth Police Department urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation.
