John S. DavenportEAST ALTON - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called to investigate a Thursday fatal stabbing in East Alton and it was announced late Friday night, that a suspect has been taken into custody.

John S. Davenport, 54, of East Alton, faces two counts of First-Degree Murder after the Madison County State's Attorney's Office presented the case to the Honorable Judge Berkley.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

During the early morning hours of Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Major Case Squad responded to the East Alton Police Department in reference to the stabbing death of a female in the 300 block of West Main Street in East Alton. The victim was identified as: Adell S. Davenport, a 47-year-old black female from East Alton, IL., 62024.

Article continues after sponsor message

Eighteen Major Case Squad investigators and the East Alton Police Department in cooperation with the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit responded to conduct the investigation.

The Major Case Squad made this statement: "This is another example of the Major Case Squad’s commitment to ensuring justice for the communities we serve."

The Major Case Squad Deputy Commander Scott Athmer said: "During the investigation, we learned that Adell and John were married several years prior and were currently separated. On September 22, 2023, members from the Major Case Squad and the East Alton Police Department met with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to present evidence in this case. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued the following charges: 2 Counts: First Degree Murder."

The Honorable Judge Berkley signed an arrest warrant and set the defendant to be remanded to the Madison County Jail, pending a Detention Hearing.

All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Man With Gun Report Prompts Major Response On Valley Drive In East Alton
Yesterday
Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Pulido Graduates FBI National Academy
Jun 24, 2026
Pokémon Cards, Cardinals Jersey, More Reportedly Stolen In Madison County Theft Cases
4 days ago
Alton Police Identify Shooting Victim and Standoff Suspect
Yesterday
‘Violent Offender Against Youth’ Charged With Domestic Battery, Registration Failure
Jun 29, 2026