Belleville man faces murder and weapons charges in connection with fatal shooting in March

A Belleville man is facing murder and weapons charges in connection with the March killing of a 39-year-old man in Washington Park.

Steven Tiller Jr., 22, was arrested Oct. 11 and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, both felonies stemming from the shooting death of George Smith of East St. Louis

Illinois State Police were called to investigate the shooting in the 6000 block of Forest Blvd. to help. Shortly after 8 p.m. on March 29, as the BND reported at the time of the incident.

Smith was found with gunshot wounds and taken to an area hospital, where he later died.

“After a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Tiller as a suspect,” a state police news release said Tuesday.

Tiller is being held in the St. Clair County Jail pending a detention hearing. Police would not give a motive for the shooting.