MT. VERNON, IL — A Mt. Vernon man was arrested Monday after he was found during a felony traffic stop to have his deceased wife’s body in the vehicle. 51-year-old John W. Finney of rural Mt. Vernon was detained and A preliminary protective sweep by the officers conducting the stop of the vehicle discovered Finney’s wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney, deceased in the vehicle. While this was happening, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered evidence to support the crime scene was at the Finney residence at 7561 N. IL Hwy 148. This residence was also secured with the assistance of the Mt. Vernon Police Department. Crime Scene Technicians from the Illinois State Police responded to both scenes for forensic processing.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a report on Monday of a possible homicide in Jefferson County. A possible location and suspect vehicle description were given allowing Deputies to begin searching for the suspect’s vehicle and potential scene. An officer from the Christopher Police Department, just after 9pm, located the suspect vehicle, a gray 2007 Ford Escape, at IL Hwy 14 and IL Hwy 148. The Christopher officer followed the vehicle west on IL Hwy 148 while waiting for additional officers to arrive. Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist the Christopher Officer with a felony stop that happened in the 9000 block of Birch Rd in rural Du Quoin, IL. The stop and securing the location were assisted by the Du Quoin Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois State Police.

Detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence in Jefferson County and felony stop location in Perry County to conduct the investigation and obtain search warrants for both locations with the assistance of the Jefferson County State’s Attorney. The Perry County Coroner was notified and responded to the felony stop location to take custody of the victim’s body.

Preliminary evidence gathered strongly supports that Amy Finney died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute with John Finney at their home. John Finney was arrested for the crime of First-Degree Murder and incarcerated in the Jefferson County Jail to await his pretrial detention hearing. Family of the victim were notified by Detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.