Rachel Elizabeth Warren, a 34-year-old woman from Chesterfield, Illinois, tragically died on February 8, 2018. Rachel, who was a stay-at-home mom, was found deceased at her residence in Chesterfield. She was born on June 17, 1983, in Litchfield, Illinois, and was a beloved member of her community, known for her love of family, camping, fishing, cooking, and the outdoors. Rachel was also a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville. Her sudden death left her family and friends in deep mourning.
The investigation into Rachel Warren's death revealed that she was a victim of a violent crime. On the afternoon of February 8, 2018, Rachel and her companion, Allen Wheeler, were traveling to her home when they picked up David W. Buck Jr., a former friend. Once they arrived at Rachel's residence, Buck shot Rachel in the head, resulting in her immediate death. Following the shooting, Buck abducted Wheeler at gunpoint and forced him to drive to a rural area to dispose of the murder weapon. Buck then stole Wheeler's truck and was later apprehended by law enforcement after a multi-county chase.
David W. Buck Jr., who was 29 years old at the time of the crime, was charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful restraint, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. The case was initially charged by former State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson and later prosecuted by current State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison and Assistant State’s Attorney Kyle Frericks. The trial, presided over by Judge Joshua A. Meyer, began on January 23, 2023. After deliberating for nearly three hours, the jury found Buck guilty on all counts.
On February 17, 2023, David W. Buck Jr. was sentenced to 66 years in prison for the murder of Rachel Warren. The conviction and sentencing brought some measure of justice to Rachel's family, who had been waiting for this verdict since 2018. The efforts of the Illinois State Police Zone 6 Investigations, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in securing this outcome. The case highlighted the tragic loss of a young mother and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the legal system.
