John Edward McMillian Jr., a 32-year-old white male from Bethalto, Illinois, tragically passed away on December 19, 2019. He was born on September 19, 1987, in Alton, Illinois. John was known for his love of music, playing the guitar, and his passion for baseball. He cherished his children and family, leaving behind his mother, Teresa Ferguson, his son, John Edward McMillian III, his daughter, Kenzlee Peyton McMillian, and his siblings, Christopher, Nicholas, and Chelsea McMillian.
John
McMillian's death was part of a horrific triple homicide that also claimed the lives of 59-year-old Shari Yates and her 30-year-old son, Andrew Brooks. The three victims were found shot to death in a residence in Bethalto, Illinois. The crime was part of a violent multi-state spree allegedly committed by Brady Witcher and Brittany McMillan.
The investigation revealed that Witcher and McMillan had traveled from Birmingham, Alabama, where they had kidnapped and murdered a woman, to Bethalto, Illinois, where they committed the triple homicide. The suspects were charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and aggravated vehicular hijacking. Brittany McMillan, a 30-year-old white female, pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Brady Witcher, a 41-year-old white male, faced similar charges and was set to stand trial in January 2022.
The tragic deaths of John McMillian, Shari Yates, and Andrew Brooks shocked the Bethalto community and brought immense grief to their families and friends. A candlelight vigil was held to honor their memories, with mourners expressing their love and sorrow for the victims. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings aimed to bring justice to the victims and provide some closure to their grieving loved ones.
