Jason S. Newell, a 36-year-old man from Witt, Illinois, was found dead inside a residence on Vermilion Street on the evening of August 2, 2020. Deputies discovered he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds from a .22 caliber rifle and stab wounds from a knife.

Investigators arrested Allan J. Frayer, 30, who was Newell’s roommate; Frayer was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and held on $1.5 million bond. An 18-year-old woman, Elise I. Rufus, was questioned at the scene but was not charged and was released. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation unit assisted the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

Jason was born October 12, 1983, in Springfield, Illinois, and was a member of Lake Side Christian Church in Springfield. His family and friends describe him as kind and helpful, and they continue to mourn his loss.

Does anyone have information about Jason, his time in Witt, or that evening on Vermilion Street?