ISP arrests 3 following discovery of body

SALINE COUNTY - Illinois State Police charged three Eldorado residents with concealment of a homicidal death following the discovery of a deceased Eldorado man.

The body of Chase E. Mitchell, 32, of Eldorado was found on June 9 in rural Gallatin County. His family had reported him missing May 5.

On Friday, ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 officials arrested 42-year-old Troy Gwaltney, 30-year-old Richard Emerson and 22-year-old Toria Emerson, all of Eldorado. Saline County State's Attorney Molly Wilson Kasiar formally charged the three with concealment of a homicidal death.

The charge alleges that the three between April 15 and June 9 had knowledge of Mitchell's death by homicidal means and knowingly concealed Mitchell's death by transporting his body for the purpose of disposing of it.

A bond hearing is set Monday in Saline County Court and all three are being held at the Saline County Detention Center.

Agencies assisting in the investigation include Eldorado Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff's Department, Gallatin County Coroner's Office, ISP District 19 Patrol, ISP Crime Scene Services. ISP DCI Zone 8 is leading the investigation. No additional information is being released at this time, according to an ISP District 19 news release.