Danvers man facing first-degree murder charges dies from apparent suicide in McLean County jail

Posted on October 20, 2023
The death is under investigation. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

MCLEAN COUNTY – An accused killer died in custody at the McLean County Jail from an apparent suicide.

During a security check around 9:30 Thursday night, correctional officers found Joshua Livingston, 41, of Danvers, unresponsive.

Despite rescue efforts, Livingston was pronounced dead at 10:22 by the Mclean County Coroner’s Office.

Livingston was facing charges of first-degree murder, possession of a stolen vehicle, and concealment of a homicidal death.

He’s been in custody since the end of April.

To determine a cause of death, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office is performing an autopsy.

The incident is under investigation by the Illinois State Police.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…