Damian "Pookie" Michael Huber, a 24-year-old Caucasian male from Cottage Hills, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 16, 2018. On that fateful day, the Madison County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at a residence on South Oak Street, where they found Damian Huber with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite being transported to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The incident was a result of a home invasion, during which Huber, who was staying at the residence, was shot by intruders. Huber's friends and family were devastated by his untimely death, remembering him as a beloved member of their community and a cherished friend.
The investigation into Damian Huber's death led to the arrest of two men, Bradley K. Payne and Kevin B. Payne, both of whom were charged with three counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and home invasion. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated, involving 23 investigators from 15 different police agencies to assist in the investigation. It was determined that Huber did not know the intruders, but one of the friends he was staying with did. The suspects were eventually tracked down and arrested, with Bradley Payne also facing an additional felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, both Bradley K. Payne and Kevin B. Payne pleaded guilty to charges related to the fatal shooting. Bradley Payne agreed to a 25-year sentence in exchange for his plea and cooperation with law enforcement, while Kevin Payne received an 18-year sentence under similar conditions. The state agreed to drop the armed robbery charges as part of the plea agreements. During the court proceedings, Huber's mother, Kelly Huber, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, expressing the profound loss and grief experienced by Huber's family and friends. She recounted how her son had been turning his life around, securing a job and starting a business, only to have his life cut short by this senseless act of violence.
The case also involved two other individuals, Lorenzo Williams and Jamal D. Scott, who were charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, home invasion, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The investigation revealed that Huber was an innocent bystander during the home invasion, and his friends believed he was defending the house when he was shot. The tragic loss of Damian Huber left a lasting impact on his community, with his friends and family continuing to seek justice and remember him for the kind and caring person he was.
