Missouri man convicted in murder of Illinois police officer

BENIC, IL (WTVO) — A Missouri man has been convicted of the August 2021 murder of an Illinois police officer.

Caleb Campbell of Florissant was found guilty Thursday of first-degree murder in the August 4, 2021 death of Officer Brian Pierce Jr. fox news.

As Campbell was driving over the McKinley Bridge in Venice, Illinois, officers tried to stop Campbell on a spike strip. Pierce, 24, died after being attacked by Campbell in custody days after the incident.

Campbell reportedly had a valid arrest warrant when fleeing a traffic stop attempt in Missouri, leading to a chase. According to Madison County Lieutenant Judge Neil Schroeder, his actions created a situation where “anything or anyone” in his path would be “expunged.”

Campbell, who served as his own attorney, argued that Pierce’s actions contributed to his death.