MURPHYSBORO – A Southern Illinois woman pled guilty Monday in Jackson County Court to first-degree murder in the July 2022 death of Edward Stallman at an IDOT work site in Jackson County.
Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph Cervantez says a jury trial for 41-year-old Alexis Stallman will be held Nov. 6.
Stallman was taken into custody on July 20, 2022 and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery in Edward Stallman’s death. He was Alexis Stallman’s ex-husband.
Cervantez says the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded around 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20 to reports of a crash at an IDOT work zone located at the intersection of Illinois 127 and Ava Road in Murphysboro. Edward Stallman was rushed to the emergency room but appeared to have sustained a “puncture wound to his chest” that was not consistent with a vehicular crash injury. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
Witnesses revealed that Alexis Stallman came to the IDOT work site and reportedly got into a verbal altercation with Edward Stallman just before the crash. Her vehicle was still on the scene when detectives discovered a bloodied kitchen knife in her purse on the front passenger floorboard. Cervantez explained that DNA analysis revealed that the blood was that of Edward Stallman.
“The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, from deputies to detectives, did everything right in this investigation,” Cervantez said. “The sheriff’s office experience and dedication to this investigation allowed me to do my job and prosecute this senseless crime. Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family and friends.”
Cervantez led the prosecution and thanked his office staff for their hard work in preparation for what would have been a week-long trial.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from the Illinois State Police.
