EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County jury on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, found Stanford Stokes, 44, of St. Louis, guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Jarred Hayes, 32, at a residence on Seventh Street in Alton on Nov. 7, 2023.
The jury also convicted Stokes of home invasion and possession of a stolen firearm.
The verdict followed a trial that began Monday and was presided over by Associate Judge Neil Schroeder. Prosecutors presented evidence and testimony showing that Stokes forced his way into the Alton home after hearing his former girlfriend inside with Hayes…