Gregory Price, a 67-year-old white male from Greenville, IL, tragically lost his life on February 12, 2019. Price was an innocent bystander caught in a violent carjacking attempt. The incident began when Leslie Austin, an abduction suspect, led police on a high-speed chase from Jefferson City, Missouri, to Greenville, Illinois. Austin had previously shot and wounded his ex-girlfriend before abducting her and her 10-year-old daughter.
The chase ended near Greenville, where Austin attempted to carjack Price, ultimately shooting and killing him.
The investigation revealed that Austin, who had a history of violence and had recently been served an order of protection by his ex-girlfriend, was the primary suspect in the murder of Gregory Price. Austin's actions on that fateful night were part of a broader pattern of violent behavior. After shooting his ex-girlfriend, Austin abducted her and her daughter, leading police on a chase that spanned over 100 miles. The ex-girlfriend managed to escape during the chase, but the ordeal ended tragically for Price.
Law enforcement officials pursued Austin, who was eventually killed either by his own gunfire or by police gunfire during the confrontation. The investigation into Price's death concluded with Austin's death, and no further arrests or suspects were identified in connection with the case. The community of Greenville mourned the loss of Gregory Price, remembering him as a kind and gentle man who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
