Kevin Ring dies in fatal Wood River shooting
Fatal Wood River shooting death of Kevin Ring – Obituary
Kevin Ring, 42, from Granite City, was fatally shot in Wood River during a confrontation on the night of May 15. The incident took place in the 200 block of East Ferguson Avenue and has since been under investigation by local authorities.
Though neither the Wood River Police nor the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has formally identified Ring as the victim, the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his passing. Ring was taken to an Alton hospital and later airlifted to Barnes/Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of May 16. His death has been ruled a homicide, with the precise cause still pending the final autopsy report.
The suspect, a Madison man, was charged on May 19 with weapons violations, including possession of a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. Despite these charges, no formal accusations related directly to the shooting itself have been filed. The suspect was released from custody under strict conditions, such as wearing an electronic monitoring device, surrendering weapons, and remaining confined to his residence except for approved medical visits.
Police reports indicate the suspect admitted to firing the weapon and claimed the victim charged at him during a verbal dispute. Video evidence showed the suspect armed and outside a business property shortly before the shooting. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the use of force in this case, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 20 before Circuit Judge Kyle Napp.
Funeral arrangements for Kevin Ring are being handled by Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses. Residents are awaiting further updates as the investigation progresses.
