The death of 37-year-old Dolnesha A. Jones is under homicide investigation.
BROOKLYN, Ill. — The St. Clair County coroner has identified a woman found dead Tuesday inside a Brooklyn apartment as 37-year-old Dolnesha A. Jones, whose death authorities are investigating as a homicide.
Jones was found at the Thomas Terry Apartments, where investigators spent part of Tuesday checking the scene and speaking with people in the area. Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said Jones appeared to have died from suffocation. Officials said the final cause and manner would depend on the autopsy and continuing investigation.
Authorities said Jones was pronounced dead at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday inside her apartment. The complex is in the 600 block of South Sixth Street in Brooklyn, a Metro East community near the Mississippi River. Illinois State Police responded and canvassed door to door while the area remained blocked off. A police lieutenant confirmed that a man turned himself in, but officials had not released his name or explained what he told police.
The case remained in an early stage Wednesday. Investigators had not said whether Jones knew the man, whether a weapon was involved or who first called authorities to the apartment. Police also had not said whether the man was being held, questioned or formally accused. No charging document had been made public. The limited information released by officials centered on Jones’ identity, the location of the death and the coroner’s early finding of apparent suffocation.
The investigation brought a heavy police presence to the Thomas Terry Apartments. Photos from the scene showed yellow police tape around part of the complex as officers worked outside the building. The property is a public housing complex, and the response drew concern from people living nearby. Officials did not report any wider threat to the public, but they also did not release a motive or a full sequence of events.
Next steps are expected to include an autopsy, evidence review and interviews with residents or others who may have seen or heard something before Jones was found. Prosecutors could review the case after police complete more of their investigation. Until then, authorities have described the death as a homicide investigation but have not announced charges.
By Wednesday afternoon, Jones’ name had been released and the investigation remained open. Police had not announced when they would provide another update or whether anyone would appear in court.
Author note: Last updated May 13, 2026.