In a deeply disturbing case out of rural Illinois, a 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after police allegedly found his wife’s dead body in the trunk of his car.
Authorities say John W. Finney shot and killed his wife, Amy J. Finney, and then drove around with her body in the back of his vehicle for hours before being stopped and arrested.
Shocking Discovery After 911 Call
The case unfolded on Monday evening when the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 8:03 p.m. The caller reported a possible homicide at a home located in the 7500 block of North Illinois Highway 148, near Mount Vernon, which lies about 80 miles east of St. Louis.
Along with the location, the caller also provided a detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle — a 2007 Ford Escape — helping authorities quickly act on the tip.
Police Chase and Traffic Stop
Around 9 p.m., an officer from the Christopher Police Department spotted the SUV at the intersection of Illinois Highway 14 and 148. The officer tailed the car while waiting for backup.
Soon, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, DuQuoin Police, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois State Police, coordinated a traffic stop on Birch Road in rural DuQuoin, Illinois.
During the stop, officers conducted a protective sweep of the vehicle — and made a horrifying discovery. Amy J. Finney, aged 42, was found dead in the hatchback of the SUV.
What Investigators Found
While the vehicle was being searched, detectives from Jefferson County were already examining the Finneys’ home. Based on initial evidence at the crime scene and the condition of the body, investigators believe that Amy was shot during a domestic dispute and that John Finney then loaded her body into the car.
Authorities also found GPS data from John Finney’s phone, which showed that he drove around the county for several hours after allegedly committing the crime. His exact motive is still under investigation, but police say all signs point to a violent argument that turned deadly.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
John Finney was officially arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held in Jefferson County Jail while he awaits his pretrial detention hearing. The Perry County Coroner has taken custody of Amy’s body, and search warrants have been obtained for both the residence and the vehicle.
No trial dates have been set yet, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Community in Shock
The small towns involved in this case — Mount Vernon, DuQuoin, and surrounding rural areas — are all reeling from the tragic incident. Domestic violence cases, especially those involving firearms and fatalities, are always difficult for communities to process.
This case has brought renewed attention to the importance of early intervention in troubled relationships and access to support services.
The murder of Amy J. Finney has left a family broken and a community shaken. What started as a routine 911 call quickly turned into a full-scale homicide investigation spanning multiple counties.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities are urging anyone facing domestic violence to seek help before tragedy strikes. This case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly domestic issues can escalate if left unaddressed.
