Carmi, IL – On June 12, 2020, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 officials arrested Troy Gwaltney, a 42-year-old male of Eldorado, IL, Richard Emerson, a 30-year-old male of Eldorado, IL, and Toria Emerson, a 22-year-old female of Eldorado, IL, for Concealment of a Homicidal Death.

The arrests occurred following the positive identification of human remains located on June 9, 2020 in rural Gallatin County. The remains were identified on June 10, 2020 as Chase E. Mitchell, a 32-year-old male of Eldorado, IL. Mitchell was reported missing to the Eldorado Police Department by his family on May 5, 2020. 

Gwaltney, Richard Emerson and Toria Emerson were formally charged with Concealment of a Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony) by the Saline County State’s Attorney, Molly Wilson Kasiar, on June 12, 2020. Charging documents allege all three defendants, between April 15 and June 9, 2020, in Saline County, IL, with knowledge that Chase Mitchell had died by homicidal means, knowingly concealed the death of Chase Mitchell by transporting his body for the purpose of disposing of same in violation of 720ILCS5/9-3.4(A). A bond hearing has been set for Monday, June 15, 2020 in Saline County, and all three are being held at the Saline County Jail.

Agencies assisting in this on-going investigation include the Eldorado Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, Gallatin County Coroner’s Office, ISP District 19 Patrol, ISP Crime Scene Services, and lead by ISP DCI Zone 8. No additional information is being released reference this incident and the continuing investigation that surrounds it at this time. Further inquiries should be directed to the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office.