McLeansboro Death Investigation

The Illinois State Police is investigating the death of James L. Berkel, 45, of Salem, Illinois. McLeansboro Police Department and Hamilton County Sheriff's Department officers responded to a call at a McCleansboro residence on September 30, 2016, after receiving a report of a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Hamilton County Coroner Steve Bowling. The suspect, Zachery J. Shock, 22, of Dale, Illinois, has been arrested and charged in Hamilton County with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and two counts of first degree murder. Autopsy results are pending, and the investigation continues. Any media inquiries should be directed to Hamilton County State's Attorney Justin Hood’s office. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.