Police still looking for man possibly connected with suspect

Witnesses in the early Saturday death of a 24-year-old Chicago man said he had been in an altercation with the shooter, police said.

Rodney E. Jones, 24, of 12154 Justine St., Chicago, died after being shot twice during the early morning hours Saturday. Police said Jones died after being shot in his back and arm, contrary to earlier reports that he had been shot in the chest. Jones was pronounced dead at 3:35 a.m. Saturday, according to the Jackson County Coroner’s office.

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Mark S. Crymes, 1404 N. Wall St., was arrested shortly after the shooting in a nearby residence. Crymes was charged with murder, armed violence, aggravated discharge of a firearm and trespass, according to police. Crymes was taken to the Jackson County Jail.

Carbondale Police Chief R. T. Finney said police were not sure what caused the altercation, but witnesses were able to identify Crymes as the shooter. He was unable give the number of witnesses to the shooting because the department is still conducting interviews. Police are looking for a second man who was allegedly with Crymes and is possibly connected with the shooting.

Finney said X-rays suggest Jones was shot with a small-caliber handgun. He said police thoroughly canvassed the area but were unable to recover a weapon. Witnesses’ reports say anywhere from three to seven bullets were fired, police said. Tests on the bullets may take a week or two, and an inquest will be scheduled at a later date.

Reporter Greg Cima can be reached at