James E. Hubbard, a 41-year-old African American male from Alton, Illinois, was tragically shot to death on August 8, 2015, while standing in the 700 block of Oakwood Avenue around 2:00 a.m. The Alton Police Department received a 911 call reporting the shooting, and upon arrival, they found Hubbard deceased. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to investigate the incident, which was quickly determined to be a homicide.
The investigation into Hubbard's death involved over twenty-five investigators from twenty-one surrounding police agencies. Despite extensive efforts, including following over one hundred leads and conducting numerous interviews, the case remained unsolved for years. Crimestoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the murder.
In August 2015, Aryion E. Sanders, a 17-year-old from the same block where Hubbard was killed, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The charges alleged that Sanders personally discharged the firearm that killed Hubbard. The case was prosecuted in the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Madison County, and Sanders faced a potential sentencing range of 45 years to life in prison if convicted.
The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Alton Police Department, Madison County Coroner’s Office, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, United States Marshal’s Service, Wood River Police Department, Illinois State Police, and several other local police departments. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis played a crucial role in coordinating the investigation and pooling resources from various agencies to solve the case.
Despite the charges against Sanders, the case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement, underscoring the importance of solving violent crimes and bringing justice to the victims and their families. The investigation into James E. Hubbard's death remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on individuals and communities.
