A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.

The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.

Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.

A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.

Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.

Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.

Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.

FELONIES

Austen W. Nieder, 31 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with an October 20 incident.

Nathan A. Baker, 47 of Hettick, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal stopping/standing/parking in connection with an April 13 incident.

Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and domestic battery causing bodily harm in connection with an October 26 incident.

Janet L. Andrews, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI any amount of drug, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed, carrying/displaying license, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver in connection with an October 31 incident.

MISDEMEANORS

Jamie M. Griffiths, 53 of Palmyra, is charged with violation of an order after being served a notice in connection with an October 24 incident.

TRAFFIC

Aiden A. Knodel, 18 of Mount Olive, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.

Matthew T. Troeckler, 38 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 18 incident.

James C. Fitzwater, 54 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 18 incident.

John E. Tisdale, 43 of Modesto, is charged with headlight violation and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED

• Jacquelyn Simons versus Jason Simons
• Ashline L. M. Harris versus Jeffrey Harris
• Jennifer L. Parker versus Darrin C. Parker
• Heather R. Elliot versus Ray K. Elliot III

MARRIAGE LICENSES

• Jesse Clay Wright and Rebecca Lyn Mouser, both of Gillespie
• Colin David Robertson and Earl Reah Pastidio Sacabin, both of Staunton
• Gary Eugene Bellm and Micky Sue Cody, both of Virden
• Michael David Pratt and Bailey Ann Schmidt, both of Staunton

FELONIES

Andrew T. Zenner, 63 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 17 incident.

Jeb A. Curtis, 19 of Livingston, is charged with burglary in connection with an October 12 incident.

Shaun K. Cox, 37 of Carrollton, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with an August 9 incident.

Courtney A. Balen, 49 of Staunton, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a March 11 incident.

David A. Rothe, 44 of Staunton, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with an August 1 incident.

Ronald L. Heaton, 51 of Staunton, is charged with failure to report annually in connection of an October 20 incident.

MISDEMEANORS

Bright A. Reed, 18 of Springfield, is charged with consumption of liquor/minor in connection with a September 21 incident.

Michael F. Reeder, 70 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation/child in connection with a June 3 incident.

Dwayne E. Damm, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with an October 21 incident.

Steven F. Bishop, 77 of Girard, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with an October 7 incident.

TRAFFIC

Myesha K. Spurgeon, 25 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.

Hayden D. Richards, 18 of Medora, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 16 incident.

Drake A. Rose, 19 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude an officer, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and unregistered/expired registration.

Jeffrey D. McGinnis, 45 of Medora, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 13 incident.

Brendan W. D. Reid, 18 of Hettick, is charged with improper use of registration/title and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 14 incident.

Amber C. Wheeler, 38 of Virden, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 12 incident.

Bretta Miller, 28 of Virden, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/passenger in connection with an October 12 incident.

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Karissa L. Lauterbach, 43 of Virden, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 11 incident.

Joseph M. Christy, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 21 incident.

Kavonnta R. Wells, 22 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 20 incident.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Benjamin J. Mcnealy and Darcie Marie Childers, both of Gillespie

Jacob Philip Ramaker and Haley Anna Schrage, both of Staunton

Jason Matthew Bailey and Amanda Nicole Manalia, both of Mount Olive

Joshau Jerald Roberts and Caily Rosean Flick, both of Jacksonville

Daniel Paul Turner and Caylee Wren Elder, both of Godfrey

Dalton Charles Dultmeier and Paige Arline Phelps, both of Pleasant Plains

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