Illinois murder suspects are arrested in Marston

MARSTON- An investigation by Illinois detectives led to the arrest of two murder suspects in Marston on Wednesday.

According to a new release from the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, Kevin Malone is in custody on charges of possession of a controlled substance in New Madrid County and first degree murder in a warrant issued by Cook County, Ill., authorities.

Ana Garcia is charged with possession of a controlled substance in a warrant issued by New Madrid County and a warrant charging her with failure to register change of address by Cook County authorities.

The search for Malone and Garcia was initiated during a homicide investigation in Hanover, Park, Ill.

Detectives from the Hanover Park Police Department determined through financial records the two suspects may be in the Marston area, according to the release. Detectives contacted Pilot Truck Stop to inquire if employees there had seen the two individuals.

"The employee taking the call handed the phone to Hayti Heights Police Chief Matt Brown who happened to be in the store. Chief Brown located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description at Moore's Landing. Chief Brown then notified the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department," the release stated.

At the request of New Madrid County Sheriff's Department Dispatch, New Madrid Police Chief Joey Higgerson responded to Moore's Landing and located the vehicle. After conducting a computer inquiry of the vehicle registration, it was determined to be the vehicle sought by Hanover Park detectives.

Officers from the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, New Madrid Police Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol attempted to make contact with the two subjects and were unable to get anyone to answer the door. The room was kept under surveillance and a short time later, between 2 and 3 a.m., a male and female, later identified as Malone and Garcia, exited the room.

After making contact with Malone and Garcia, officers gained verbal consent to search the motel room and vehicle.

During a brief search of the room and vehicle, officers located a plastic baggie containing a white powder-like substance, which field tested positive for the presence of cocaine. Officers also located items of clothing which appeared to be stained with blood.

Malone and Garcia were then placed under arrest and transported to the Pemiscot County Jail.

Deputies then secured the room and vehicle to await the arrival of detectives from Hanover Park. Investigators from the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol worked with detectives and evidence technicians from the Hanover Park Police Department and representatives from the Cook County, Ill., District Attorney's Office to secure search warrants for the room and vehicle and to facilitate interviews with Malone and Garcia. Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol investigators also assisted with the execution of the search warrants and the processing of evidence recovered.

Currently Malone and Garcia remain in the Pemiscot County Jail.