On August 21, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Murphysboro, Illinois, resulting in the death of 29-year-old Maurice P. Funches. The Murphysboro Police Department responded to a shooting in the 200 block of North 13th Street, where they found Funches as the gunshot victim. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, life-saving measures were ultimately unsuccessful, and Funches was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation, conducted by the Murphysboro Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, revealed that the incident began as an altercation between two individuals. During this altercation, the suspect, identified as Daron L. Woods, 49, of Murphysboro, used a knife to stab Clyde Boozer. Maurice Funches intervened to assist Boozer and was subsequently shot and killed by Woods. Boozer was treated at Carbondale Memorial Hospital for his injuries and was later released.
Daron L. Woods has been charged by Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. A no-bond arrest warrant was issued for Woods, who remains at large as of the latest reports. The public has been warned that Woods should be considered armed and dangerous, and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Murphysboro Police Department immediately.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional charges against Woods may be forthcoming. The State’s Attorney’s Office has praised the investigative work of the involved law enforcement agencies and continues to seek public assistance in locating the suspect.
