Electronic Billboards Assist with Description of Armed & Dangerous
Offender Wanted for 1st Degree Murder

Venice, IL – Illinois State Police Zone 6 Investigators are partnering with the U.S. Marshals Service and St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers to locate Michael R. Fedrick, 26, of St. Louis, Missouri, for First-Degree Murder.  On December 9, 2011, ISP Zone 6 Investigators were called to the scene of a home invasion/robbery at a residence in the 1300 block of Robins in Venice, Illinois.

According to witness statements, two armed offenders, Michael Fedrick and Russell Battle, entered the residence wearing masks and body armor and announced a robbery.  Two females fled the residence when two male occupants of the residence were ordered to the basement.  A struggle ensued and multiple shots were fired from both an SKS assault-style rifle and a pistol, striking both victims and suspects. 

Battle died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was found in the basement, according to police. The two residents were taken to an area hospital for treatment.   Police later recovered the assault rifle at the scene.  Fedrick sought treatment at a St. Louis hospital, where police questioned him briefly.  After surgery was completed, Fedrick fled the hospital with his leg in an air splint.  Fedrick remains at large and armed.

The Madison County State's Attorney's Office has charged Fedrick with 21 felonies, including multiple counts of first-degree murder, home invasion, armed robbery, and residential burglary.

"We are seeking the public’s help to locate an armed and dangerous offender,” said ISP Captain James Morrisey.   “Anyone with any information is urged to contact local police or the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers,” Morrisey stressed.

St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers is offering up to a $1000 reward for information leading to Fedrick’s arrest.  Callers do not have to provide their name to receive a reward. 

Electronic billboards in the area have been activated and show the offender’s description and the CrimeStoppers hotline number.

Anyone with information about Fedrick's location is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.