BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Belleville police and community outreach groups are racing to address a recent surge in violence after a string of homicides and shootings left the Metro East on edge.
The urgency comes as detectives announced charges in two separate murder investigations this week.
On March 17, 18-year-old William A.L. Molton of Collinsville was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in connection to a fatal shooting in the 5800 block of Belleville Crossing. The incident occurred in a high-traffic commercial area known for shops and restaurants…