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Second suspect arrested in Dongola, IL murder case

By Carly O'Keefe, Zakk Gammon & Julia Bruck

JONESBORO, IL (KFVS) - A second man is now in police custody on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Gerald Dziczkowski of Dongola, Illinois. 

According to the Union County Sheriff's Department, 26-year-old Michael Ellis of Elkville, Illinois was taken into custody in Chicaksaw, Mississippi after he apparently fled a traffic safety roadblock. He now faces charges for that incident as well.

Ellis was wanted in connection with an October 23rd homicide that took place at 250 Kimber Road in Dongola, Illinois. Saturday, Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds filed first-degree murder charges against Ellis and 27-year-old Tommy Reams.

It was a Saturday morning at the Davis house, which means time for cartoons.  However, Daniel Davis says when his daughters headed for the TV they notice several police cars outside.

"The officer just said if you happen to see our neighbors to call 911," Davis said. 

Davis lives next door to the reported address of 26-year-old Michael Ellis.  But apparently, officers did not find him at his Elkville home Saturday morning.

Ellis is charged with first-degree murder for the death of Dziczkowski.  Investigators say the 57-year-old was found dead at his home more than a week ago on Kimber Road in rural Dongola.  That is some 40 miles away from Ellis's home in his Elkville neighborhood.

"It's been a nice neighborhood you know.  Neighbors look out for each other.  It's just scary," Davis added.

However, Ellis is not the only person alleged to have committed the crime.  Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds also charged this man 27-year-old Tommy Reams with two counts of first-degree murder and home invasion.

DuQuion Police tell Heartland News that officers arrested Reams in the 400 block of North Walnut Street early Saturday morning.  Neighbors in the area say they are shocked to hear of such an arrest.

"It's concerning because I have little kids around here and you never know what to expect," Neighbor Brandi Cavins said.

Reams was arrested without incident Saturday at a home in Du Quoin, Illinois. Ellis and Reams faces are being held on $2 million bond. Reams is set for a court appearance Monday, November 2nd in Union County. Ellis is being held in Mississippi awaiting extradition. 

An autopsy was performed Friday, but cause of Dziczkowski's death has not been released.

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