Shooting investigation continues, conflicting reports unresolved

By Eli Mileur

The investigation into the March 24 shooting death of Molly Young continues, though conflicting reports on the circumstances of her death have not been resolved.

Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Wepsiec said the Illinois State Police are in the midst of their investigation and when they are finished, they will present the findings to him.

He said it is still being treated as a death investigation, not a homicide or suicide.

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He said he could not say when he would expect the investigation to wrap up, though it could take some time.

“I’m not going to rush them,” he said.

Beyond that, he said he could not comment on the details of an ongoing investigation.

The body of Young, 21, was discovered at the residence of her reported ex-boyfriend, Richie Minton, in the 500 block of North Westridge Drive March 24, according to local media outlets. She had suffered a gunshot wound.

The Illinois State Police are conducting the investigation.

State police Lt. Stan Diggs had spoken earlier to other local publications.

Diggs told the Daily Egyptian he could not comment on the case anymore and referred questions to Wepsiec, who was displeased with the reports appearing in the media.

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One publication quoted Diggs saying the Carbondale Police, who arrived on the scene first, allowed Minton, owner of the apartment and Carbondale police dispatcher, to wash his hands and change his clothing before the State Police arrived.

In a subsequent article in another publication, Diggs disputed the statement and said it was not the case.

Jackson County Coroner Thomas Kupferer said a decision on the manner of Young’s death can’t be made until forensic analysis, toxicology tests and autopsy reports are finished.

He said he hoped everything would be finished in the next few weeks, though he understands there’s a backlog at the state police labs.

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