Charles "Chuck" Joseph Parrino Jr., a 45-year-old male, was found dead on January 25, 2025, in rural Bunker Hill, Illinois. Parrino, who worked as a bartender at Soulard Bastille, a well-known establishment in St. Louis, had not shown up for his shift on Friday, prompting concern among his coworkers and friends. After failing to reach him, they contacted the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department to request a wellness check at his residence on Shipman Cutoff Road.
Upon arrival, officers quickly determined that they were dealing with a homicide. Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya identified the victim as Charles "Chuck" Joseph Parrino Jr., confirming his age as 45. Authorities arrested Jerald Stilts, a 57-year-old male from Bunker Hill, in connection with the crime. Stilts was initially charged with concealing a homicidal death but faced upgraded charges on January 27, including two counts of first-degree murder, armed violence, aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice/destruction of evidence, and unlawful restraint.
Investigators revealed that Parrino and Stilts had been in a relationship, and Parrino was in the process of ending it when the fatal shooting occurred. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department received a call at approximately 1:42 p.m. on January 25 requesting a wellness check at Stilts’ residence. When deputies arrived, they spoke with Stilts and soon realized that the situation was a homicide. Stilts was taken into custody and later appeared before a judge on January 27.
Parrino was described by colleagues as a beloved figure in the Soulard community. Matt Bosley, a fellow bartender at Soulard Bastille, recalled Parrino as an "awesome guy" who was always punctual and well-liked by patrons. His absence from work raised immediate concerns among his coworkers, who searched for his car and checked locations he frequented before ultimately contacting authorities.
An autopsy was conducted on January 27, and a preliminary hearing for Stilts was scheduled for February 5 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Joshua Meyer. The case has drawn significant attention, with the community mourning the loss of Parrino while awaiting further legal proceedings against Stilts.
