295 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

James Skinner

Case from Brownstown, IL dated Sep 17, 2017

Victim Details

Name

James Skinner

Gender

Male

Race

White / Caucasian

City

Brownstown

State

Date Of Death

2017-09-17

Age At Death

First Name

James

Last Name

Skinner

Last Updated

07/29/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!

On September 17, 2017, 56-year-old James "Jim" Skinner was found deceased in his home in Brownstown, Illinois. Initially, his son, Ryan Skinner, discovered the body and contacted authorities, suggesting the possibility of suicide. However, upon investigation, law enforcement officials determined that Jim had suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the head. A bloodied sledgehammer, identified as the murder weapon, was discovered in the front yard of the residence. ((https://thecinemaholic.com/james-jim-skinner-murder-where-is-david-leroy-bright-now/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The investigation led authorities to 71-year-old David Leroy Bright from Mulberry Grove. Phone records revealed that Bright had called Jim 12 times on the morning of the murder. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing a white pickup truck, matching the description of Bright's vehicle, near Jim's home around the time of the crime. A search of Bright's van uncovered blood-stained clothing, with tests confirming the blood matched Jim's. Further analysis placed Bright's cell phone near the crime scene during the relevant timeframe. ((https://www.leaderunion.com/2020/09/30/bright-guilty-of-murder/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

In January 2018, Bright was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The trial commenced in September 2020, during which the prosecution presented evidence including phone records, witness testimonies, and forensic analyses linking Bright to the crime. After deliberating for approximately four hours, the jury found Bright guilty on both counts. Subsequently, in November 2020, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of James Skinner. ((https://www.leaderunion.com/2020/09/30/bright-guilty-of-murder/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), (https://www.x95radio.com/2020/11/10/mulberry-grove-man-sentenced-in-murder-of-brownstown-cattleman/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))