Angel Nicole Syddall, a 31-year-old woman from Alton, Illinois, tragically lost her life on November 21, 2018. She was found with multiple gunshot wounds at her residence on Edwards Street in Alton. Despite being rushed to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, she succumbed to her injuries. Angel was born on January 14, 1987, in Wood River, Illinois, and was the beloved daughter of Gayle Annette Syddall.
She worked as a Crew Trainer at a McDonald's restaurant in Wood River for thirteen years and was cherished by her family and friends.
The investigation into Angel Syddall's death revealed that she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Ernie Sykes, a 56-year-old man. On the morning of November 21, 2018, Alton police responded to a shooting at Angel's home. They found a 26-year-old man, Daniel Ferrel, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the house. Inside, they discovered Angel, who had been shot seven times. Both victims were initially treated at a local hospital before being airlifted to a St. Louis-area hospital. Unfortunately, Angel did not survive.
Ernie Sykes was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and being an armed habitual criminal. During the trial, it was revealed that Sykes had a history of domestic violence and had threatened Angel's mother days before the murder, telling her she would need to get a black dress. Sykes' own daughter testified against him, and the jury found him guilty of all charges. In June 2020, Sykes was sentenced to 125 years in prison, with no possibility of parole, for the murder of Angel Syddall and the attempted murder of Daniel Ferrel.
The case highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues within communities. Angel Syddall's death was a profound loss to her family and friends, who remembered her as a loving and caring individual. The sentencing of Ernie Sykes brought some measure of justice, but the pain of losing Angel remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of domestic violence.
