Two stabbings in four days left one person dead and sent another to St. Louis for treatment.

The incidents occurred early Friday and Monday mornings. Carbondale police continue to investigate both stabbings.

James Connell, 24, of Murphysboro was stabbed outside the restaurant where he worked while trying to stop a fight.

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Police responded to a report of a fight at approximately 1:20 a.m. Friday at Big Boys Q’n. When officers arrived they found two males fighting outside. Both suspects ran from the scene but police caught one. Willie C. Carr, 20, of Carbondale was arrested and charged with fighting and resisting a police officer.

During the investigation of the fight police discovered Connell had been stabbed.

Witnesses said an unknown white male stabbed Connell in the back. The suspect was described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing more than 200 pounds. The suspect also had blond hair and a goatee with a tattoo on his neck.

Connell drove himself to Carbondale Memorial Hospital for treatment. At the hospital it was determined that Connell had a lacerated kidney and was transported to St. Louis.

Connell’s condition was unknown as of Monday.

Officer Randy Mathis said police are still investigating the incident and as of Monday no new information was released.

The second incident occurred at approximately 2:38 a.m. Monday Carbondale. Police responded to a 911 call of a stabbing on 305 S. Beveridge St.

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Upon arrival officers encountered a 22-year-old male stabbing another male with a knife. The male with the knife was shot by one of the officers and transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale where he was pronounced dead. The stabbing victim was also treated at the hospital and released.

Illinois State Police are investigating the officer involved in the shooting. Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Wepsiec is assisting with the investigation.

Check out River Regions “Early Morning Stabbing” in the Web Extras section.

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