Published: June 28, 2008 12:09 am      

Officials search for murder suspect, Nicholas T. Sheley

By Rebecca Boysen

Herald Staff Writer

STERLING, Ill. — Whiteside County Sheriff’s officials report a search is under way for a man considered to be armed and dangerous following the apparent murder of a 93-year-old Sterling man. Authorities say Nicholas T. Sheley, 28, of the Sterling-Rock Falls, Ill., area is a person of interest in the death of Russell R. Reed, whose body was discovered in the trunk of his vehicle on Thursday afternoon.

Reports state Reed was reported missing from his home in rural Sterling on Thurs-day morning, and around 3 p.m. his 2003 Buick Century was located in the 1700 block of Griswold Avenue, parked off the roadway in a private driveway. Officials report a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of Reed’s body in the trunk. Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald confirms that Reed died of blunt force trauma, following an autopsy Friday evening.

Law enforcement officers searched several homes in the Sterling-Rock Falls area Thursday evening following reports of possible sightings. Sheley was later spotted driving a white Lincoln in Rock Falls, which was later reported stolen. Dixon Police and Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to stop the white Lincoln, but the driver fled to the southwest corner of Lee County.

Officials say Sheley is also currently wanted on a Whiteside County warrant for home invasion.

He is described as a white male standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with green eyes and shaved brown hair. Officials believe he may be traveling in a red 1999 Jeep Carryall, with license plate 820-1126 that was reported stolen southeast of Rock Falls. Area law enforcement agencies are asking the public to report any information on the whereabouts of Sheley or the jeep to the nearest authority, or by calling 911, and remind residents Sheley is considered armed and dangerous.