Charges have been filed following a fatal shooting that took place on May 28, 2025, in the 3100 block of Lawn Street, Alton, officials from the Alton Police Department announced on June 2, 2025.
Hosea J. Burgess and Jermaine D. Stiff have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat offender, a Class X felony, according to the Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s Office. Burgess is currently held at the Saint Louis City Justice Center awaiting extradition to Madison County, while Stiff remains in custody in Madison County. Both are being held pending a detention hearing.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:33 p.m. when officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered Donald R. Lane, 41, of Alton, suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. Lane was transported to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.
Authorities indicated the incident was not random and appeared to arise from an encounter among acquaintances.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Alton Police Department working alongside the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, East Alton Police Department, and Wood River Police Department to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Officials have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 618-463-3505, extension 634. Updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
