Police arrest suspect in Shaw murder

The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Department issued a press release that states a suspect is in custody in connection with the murder of 77-year-old John E. Shaw.

According to the press release, the “alleged suspect” is being held on an unrelated probation and parole warrant.

The suspect’s name is not being released until formal charges are filed. Charges are expected in a couple days.

According to police, the alleged suspect has had contacts with law enforcement since 1987. The man reportedly had 21 felony charges during this time period and was convicted on seven of those charges. Some of those convictions were for narcotics, weapons, and driving while intoxicated. His latest conviction was in 2006.

Funeral services for the murder victim were held Monday at Kutis Funeral Home’s South County Chapel with interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, and five children, 13 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A Korean War veteran, he was a member of the VFW and the DAV.

Shaw was murdered in his Ste. Genevieve County home off Route D Thursday. Autopsy results have not been released.

According to Sheriff Gary Stolzer, dispatch received a call at 2 p.m. Thursday from a resident who said there was an intruder in the home who was struggling with the other resident. The resident ran from the house into a field and hid, calling police on a phone. Reception was lost during the emergency call.

When Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home, they found the caller outside. They went into the house and found the body of Shaw.

Police are not saying how Shaw was killed and if the intruder forced his way in or was let in.

The witness, who is “very shook up,” did not go into the house again to see if anything was stolen.

“Whoever did this needs to be caught, and we’re appreciative of any help we can get from the public,” Stolzer said.

The murder is the fourth in the eight years Stolzer has been Sheriff, and the first one this year. Stolzer encourages people to contact law enforcement if a suspicious person comes to their door.

A suspect is now in custody in connection with the Oct. 16 murder of John E. Shaw. Police say Shaw was apparently attacked at his residence, located in the western part of Ste. Genevieve County.

The suspect is being held on an unrelated probation and parole warrant. His name is not being released, pending the filing of formal charges.

Police say the suspect has had prior contact with law enforcement beginning in 1987 and has been charged with felonies 21 times. He was convicted on seven felony charges in 2006 for narcotics, weapons and driving while intoxicated.

More information is to be released after formal charges are issued, police say.

Check back later for updates.