KEWANEE, Ill. – Illinois State Police are investigating the death of a man as a homicide after his body was discovered days after he was reported missing.

What we know:

Catrelle Reed was reported missing to the Kewanee Police Department on May 27, prompting an investigation with assistance from Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 2 East Moline Major Crimes. 

Three days later, Reed was found dead on a property near the intersection of Highway 81 and East 2350th Street, just west of Kewanee.

An autopsy performed on Monday determined that Reed’s death was a homicide, authorities said.

What you can do:

Anyone with information is urged to contact ISP Special Agent Walt Willis at 309-948-4818 or email tips to ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov.

A 6-year-old boy died due to balloon-related suffocation last month in Mt. Carmel, according to preliminary findings from the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.

County Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to “the tragic accidental death of a juvenile” at a Mt. Carmel residence May 29, according to the report.

An autopsy conducted the next day in Springfield found the cause of death to be suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Officials announced his cause of death Wednesday.

The boy, identified by his family as Gunner Hyatt, was described as the “craziest, most loving little boy,” on a GoFundMe created to support his family. The fundraiser, created last week, has garnered over $20,000.

The coroner’s report, published on Facebook, noted the potential danger of large Mylar balloons. The balloons are commonly used decorations known for their shiny appearance. They’re made from plastic and often coated by a thin layer of metal.

“While often seen as harmless decorations, these balloons can pose serious risks — particularly to young children — including the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity,” the coroner’s office said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported six balloon-related deaths in children 12-years-old and younger between 2020 and 2023.

An investigation involving the Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force is ongoing. Additional testing and toxicology will be done before determining the final cause of death, according to the coroner’s office.

No further information was released.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has set June 13-16 as Free Fishing Days throughout the state, allowing residents to fish without having to purchase licenses or stamps.

Here’s what to know.

What are Free Fishing Days?

From June 13-16, anglers in Illinois can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. The Department of Natural Resources said in a press release that the point of the four-day program is “for non-anglers to discover or rediscover the fun of fishing and to introduce children to the activity.”

Groups and organizations that need fishing equipment and educational materials can complete an online form on the department website to get materials while supplies last.

What’s typically required to fish in Illinois?

Illinois usually requires anyone over 16 years old to have a fishing license to fish. Standard fishing licenses can be purchased for $15 at vendors throughout Illinois or online. 

Fishers younger than 16, blind or disabled anglers and residents on active military service are exempt.

Do seniors get free fishing licenses?

Senior residents of Illinois who are 65 or older receive reduced license fees but cannot get one for free. The fees are further reduced when residents reach the age of 75.

Can you fish anywhere in Illinois without fishing license?

No. Outside of Free Fishing Days, Illinois residents are required for fishing in all Illinois waters, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams.