Update: Bench warrant issued for person of interest in East St. Louis murder
EAST ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)– A history of domestic violence may have led to the death of a young East St. Louis mother found dead in her home over the weekend.
Police received a disturbance call at about 9pm on Saturday. When they arrived at the Gompers Public Housing Complex, they found 25-year-old Michelle Rowling stabbed several times in her apartment.
Rowling, a mother of two young children, was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Family members believe 25-year-old Montrell Cooper killed her because she was trying to move on with her life without him. They say he assaulted Rowling a few times in the past and had served time in the St. Clair County Jail for the crimes. They say he threatened to kill Rowling while behind bars. When he was released from jail November 25th they say he carried out the threat.
Police say they recovered Cooper’s abandoned SUV. The vehicle is being processed for evidence. Illinois State Police are assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the crime should contact East St. Louis police.
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