Nicholas Lee Hood, a 24-year-old male from Granite City, Illinois, tragically lost his life on October 20, 2015, in Caseyville, Illinois. Born on November 3, 1990, in Alton, Illinois, Nicholas, known as "Nick," was a beloved member of his community. He worked for John's Lawn Care in Edwardsville, Illinois, and had a passion for riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers.
He was survived by his fiancée, Amber Sarmento, his children Miranda Leigh Stratham-Hood and Madilynn Rose Hood, and his stepchildren Junior and Gracey Sikorski. His parents, Gary and Brenda Hood, and his siblings, Nathan, Tiffany, and Kayla, also mourned his untimely death.
The circumstances surrounding Nicholas Hood's death were both shocking and tragic. On the morning of October 20, 2015, Nicholas was at his residence in the 1800 block of Apache Street near Caseyville when a violent home invasion occurred. Nicholas was shot when he answered the door to his trailer. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to investigate the incident. Upon arrival, deputies found Nicholas Hood deceased inside his home, having succumbed to gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly led to the identification and arrest of four suspects: Terrion Devere Stevenson, age 20, Orlando C. Adkins Jr., age 21, Lemar D. Gully, age 21, and Michael L. Williams, age 21. All four individuals were charged with First Degree Murder, with their bonds set at $1,000,000 each. The suspects were believed to have shared an acquaintance with Nicholas, which led them to his residence on the day of the murder. Additionally, Stevenson and Adkins were implicated in an armed home invasion and burglary that occurred just an hour before the homicide in Belleville, Illinois.
The legal proceedings following the arrests were closely watched by the community. The charges against the suspects highlighted the severity of the crime and the swift action taken by law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. The case underscored the dangers of violent crime and the impact it has on families and communities. Nicholas Hood's death was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety and justice in society.
