Robert Burrows, a 64-year-old man from East St. Louis, IL, tragically died on August 30, 2020. He was found shot in the pelvis at the Orr Weathers Housing Complex on Missouri Avenue. The incident occurred on July 24, 2020, and Burrows succumbed to his injuries a little over a month later.
The investigation into Burrows' death led to the arrest of Jordan Yates, a 22-year-old man from East St. Louis. Yates was charged with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. According to the St. Clair County State's Attorney, Yates shot Burrows without lawful justification and with the intent to kill or cause great bodily harm. Yates was taken into custody and held on a $1 million bond.
The East St. Louis Police Department, along with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation. The case drew significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the involvement of a young suspect.
The tragic death of Robert Burrows and the subsequent legal proceedings against Jordan Yates highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime in East St. Louis and the broader issues of gun violence and public safety in the community.
