MSD worker killed in driveway believed to be targeted: Officials

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – The Major Case Squad now believes the MSD worker who was shot and killed in her own driveway Tuesday morning was targeted by a gunman.

A team of investigators is now searching for the suspect.

According to police, 32-year-old Portia Rowland was warming up her vehicle in the 1300 block of Olive St. around 6 a.m. when the gunman approached her, shooting her several times.

When officials arrived, Rowland was found dead at the scene.

Detectives have been working tirelessly out of the Collinsville Police Department, following on leads in the case, but they still need help from the public in identifying the suspect.

“We got 30 investigators with the Major Case Squad working the case and tracking a whole lot of leads,” deputy commander Mark Kuechle said. “This is not a common occurrence in the area… we don’t have full grasps of all the details. We believe the victim was targeted specifically.”

The suspect was dressed in dark clothing and appeared to be holding a gun.

Rowland was a mechanic with the Metropolitan Sewer District. Family and friends say she was a beautiful ray of light and had a heart of gold. Her neighbor’s want justice.

“I found out what was going on, and that one of the neighbors was shot over there. I never want this to happen to anyone—I don’t care who they are or where they’re from,” nearby resident Jairus Lyerla said.

MSD released the following statement that reads, in part:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our teammates. Portia was a dedicated and talented member of our team, whose contributions greatly impacted our organization and the people of the St. Louis region.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Collinsville Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).


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Category: General News