Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis

Suspect surrenders in fatal shooting of Granite City man

BY BRIAN BRUEGGEMANN - News-Democrat

An Alton man sought on charges of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Venice has surrendered to police.

Diron L. "Poppy" Pinnix, 24, surrendered to authorities with his attorney about 12:30 p.m. Monday.

He was being held without bail at the Madison County Jail.

Pinnix was charged Sunday with first-degree murder in connection with the Saturday morning shooting death of Chaunci E. Dukes, 24, of Granite City.

Venice police responded to a call about 2:10 a.m. Saturday and found Dukes shot in the backyard of a residence at 1003 Market St. in Venice.

Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis said Pinnix was identified early in the investigation as having been present during the shooting of Dukes.

Contact reporter Brian Brueggemann at bbrueggemann@bnd.com or 692-9481.

Armed and dangerous: Police seek suspect charged with murdering Granite City man

BY RICKEENA J. RICHARDS - News-Democrat

Police on Sunday evening were still looking for a murder suspect from Alton who they say should be considered armed and dangerous.

Diron L. "Poppy" Pinnix, 24, was charged Sunday with first-degree murder in connection with the Saturday morning shooting death of Chaunci E. Dukes, 24, of Granite City.

Venice police responded to a call about 2:10 a.m. Saturday and found Dukes shot in the backyard of a residence at 1003 Market St. in Venice.

Diron L. Pinnix. - Provided to BND