Story Created:
Jul 29, 2010 at 9:26 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 2, 2010 at 1:08 PM CDT
Update, July 30: PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. - At a press conference today attended by family members, the Perry County Sheriff's department announced a third arrest in the Sidnee Stephens murder case. The suspect is a 15-year-old male, whose name is being withheld because he is a juvenile. We will have more on this developing story during out 5 p.m. broadcast. For the original story, read on below.
Original story, July 29: PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. - A community in shock after fisherman found the body of local teen Sidnee Stephens in a creek are in even bigger shock tonight after finding out who is accused of the murder.
Today we learned that two close friends of Stephens' are behind bars and charged with murder.
Those men are 17-year-old James Glazier and 18-year-old Carl Dane, both of Pinckneyville, Illinois. Both are charged with first degree murder. The sheriff's office said more charges against Dane are pending.
Meanwhile, Stephens' friends are trying to sort out everything that's going on. There is no word on the motive behind the killing and not knowing why makes it harder for those close to Stephens'. They said they're having a tough time and are even a little scared tonight.
They said the whole town is on edge. The more information is released about this case, the more troubling it gets.
Friends say they're trying not to think about what happened but just remember Stephens' life. In an effort to do that, friends made a cross in her honor today and drove it into the ground tonight near the place where her body was found.
They also gathered at the bridge over Beaucoup Creek. Some lit candles on the bridge. Others just stared down at the water.
Close friends of Stephens' said they're experiencing two emotions right now: sadness, because they've lost a dear friend, but also anger, because they all belong to a tight knit group of friends. They were all close to Stephens and to the two accused of her murder.
"I just can't believe they'd be so sick to do something like that to her considering they're friends with her, too," said friend Teresa Pierce.
"It blows my mind because he's been my friend since 7th grade, James," said Jacie Mathis. "I always thought he was a really, really, good guy."
The Perry County sheriff said they are still investigating this case and expect more arrests. That scares the girls Local 6 spoke with tonight, who wonder who might be arrested next.
For more information about the Sidnee Stephens benefit, click here.
