One person is dead following a dramatic overnight incident involving a shooting and a house fire in Benton that also damaged a neighboring home.
Fire crews were first dispatched around 11:28 p.m. Wednesday night to a residence at 420 N. 10th Street. Upon arrival, police reported active gunfire coming from inside the home, prompting fire and EMS crews to stage nearby until the area was secured.
Within minutes, the house was engulfed in flames while gunfire continued to erupt from within. At least one bullet pierced the front door of a neighboring, occupied home. Neighbors told authorities that a round struck the center of their living room before they noticed the fire and called 911.
Benton Police Chief Chris Funkhouser provided an update early this (Thursday) morning confirming that one individual was found deceased inside the home along with multiple firearms. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office pronounced the individual dead at the scene. Their identity is being withheld pending notification of family.
The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting the Benton Police Department in the ongoing investigation. Additional support was provided by the Benton Fire Department, West Frankfort Fire Department, West City Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and West City Police Department.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and fire. Further details will be released as they become available.