Ted Horn, a 56-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on August 27, 2021, while working as a security guard at First Bank in East St. Louis, Illinois. Ted, who was born on February 27, 1965, in Belleville, Illinois, was known for his dedication to his job and his family. On the day of the incident, two masked men entered the bank with the intent to rob it.
One of the robbers, wearing a white face mask, handed a demand note to the teller, claiming to have a bomb strapped to his chest and demanding money. As the robbers attempted to flee, Ted Horn intervened to stop them. In response, the second robber, wearing a black face mask, drew a semi-automatic handgun and shot Ted in the head, resulting in his immediate death.
Following the incident, a swift investigation led to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Jaylan D. Quinn, 22, and Andrew R. Brinkley, 19, both from East St. Louis, were charged with the armed robbery and murder of Ted Horn. The federal complaint detailed the events of the robbery, highlighting the bravery of Ted Horn in his attempt to prevent the crime. The suspects were apprehended the day after the robbery, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FBI, Illinois State Police, and East St. Louis Police Department.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Jaylan Quinn pled guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of using a firearm to commit murder. He was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison, with an additional five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Quinn was also ordered to pay restitution for his crimes. The sentencing brought some measure of justice to Ted Horn's family, though it could never fully compensate for their loss.
Ted Horn's death was a significant loss to his community and family. He is survived by his wife, two adult sons, and three grandchildren. His dedication to his job and his courageous actions on the day of the robbery were remembered and honored by those who knew him. The case underscored the dangers faced by security personnel and the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice.
