$20,000 from the FBI and $5,000 from the Whiteside County Crime Stoppers

The Illinois State Police, along with the Whiteside County Sheriffs Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sterling Police Department, and Rock Falls Police Department are currently investigating two homicides which occurred in rural Whiteside County and Rock Falls. The most recent homicide was discovered on June 30 after Rock Falls Police Officers responded to a welfare check and discovered four homicide victims, one of which was a child. An earlier homicide victim was discovered in rural Whiteside County on June 26 by Whiteside County Deputies.

Nicholas T. Sheley, age 28, of Sterling is considered a person of interest in both homicides. Sheley remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. The public is reminded to call authorities and not to approach Sheley.

The Investigative Task Force is also communicating with law enforcement authorities in Galesburg, Illinois, and Festus, Missouri, regarding recent homicides in their jurisdictions. It is believed that Sheley may have a connection in these two homicides. Sheley was last believed to be in the Collinsville, Illinois, area late on Monday, June 30.

A tip hotline phone number has been established at 866-219-8333.