PEORIA, Ill. — More information was released Thursday regarding the murder of Dr. William Marshall inside his home on Jan. 6.
54-year-old Robert Ely was arrested in St. Louis Wednesday for the first degree murder of Marshall.
During a news conference, Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos said Ely was believed to be a part of a larger burglary ring that impacted many people across Central Illinois.
“His crew would target the elderly — usually those who lived alone — and would use a ruse to gain entry into people’s homes,” said Hoos. “Mr. Ely was good at what he did — today that criminal enterprise has come to an end.”
According to Hoos, Marshall died of multiple stab wounds and had defensive wounds on his hands.
Most of the other burglaries carried out by Ely didn’t result in the death of an individual, Hoos said.
“We suspect, based on the coroner’s report, that Dr. Marshall probably figured out what was going on,” said Hoos. “Unfortunately, that led to the confrontation and to the death of Dr. Marshall.”
Hoos and Peoria Police thanked the community for remaining patient throughout the course of the investigation that led to Ely’s arrest, although an investigation is still ongoing.
“I don’t think the community should feel concerned anymore — be smart about the people that you let into your home,” said Hoos.
According to Hoos, Ely would convince people, especially senior citizens, that he knew them to gain access into their homes.
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s office is still looking at more charges to Ely and others who may have been involved.
Ely was reportedly involved in many other burglaries in Illinois and other states as part of what Peoria Police Captain Brad Dixon called a “travelling criminal enterprise with a very specific MO.”
Detectives found a storage unit that belonged to Ely with items stolen during burglaries, such as paintings stolen from Marshall.
Hoos could not comment directly on others who may have been involved in the crimes due to the ongoing investigation.
