CARLYLE, Ill. — The Clinton County State's Attorney's Office announced Monday that it issued first-degree murder charges against a man accused in the shooting death of his girlfriend earlier this month.
According to a news release from the office, four counts of first-degree murder have been issued against 25-year-old Emmet Metzger of New Baden, Illinois. Prosecutors allege that on Nov. 4, Metzger shot and killed Alexis Maki. The circumstances that led up to the shooting were not released.
“My girlfriend and I were eating dinner when we suddenly heard gunshots and smoke detectors go off inside that apartment,” neighbor Zac Labeau said.
“There were about seven gunshots, and it was all just startling. I could hear yelling after he had shot her three times. They lived together I think for about a year, and I saw them when they pulled up in her car Saturday,” Labeau said.
“I know there was a pretty big gathering going on outside the night it happened. I believe a lot of her family members showed up later. It’s sad. She was a nice person," Labeau said.
5 On Your Side has learned Maki was a previous student at McKendree University in nearby Lebanon and also worked as a waitress at a restaurant there.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of former student, Alexis Maki, and the senseless act that ended her life on Saturday," McKendree University President Daniel Dobbins said in a Tuesday statement. "The hearts of the McKendree University community are with Alexis’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."
Neighbors said Metzger went across the street to the New Baden Police Department and turned himself in after the incident.
They also said such violence is rare in the small community of 3,400 people.
“It’s crazy. I didn’t expect anything like that out here. We never really see anything bad out here. It’s a quiet town,” Labeau added.
As of Monday night, investigators have not said anything about a motive for the deadly shooting.
If convicted, Metzger could spend between 20 to 60 years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence.
A judge agreed to deny Metzger's pretrial release. He was being held without bond at the Clinton County Jail.
The New Baden Police Department and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department conducted the investigation.
“I can’t begin to imagine the pain and anguish that Alexis’ family and friends are experiencing. My office will continue to seek justice and prosecute those who commit such senseless violent acts in our communities,” Clinton County State's Attorney J.D. Brandmeyer said in the news release.
Funeral arrangements have been set for Nov. 11. Click here for more information.