Hancock County state’s attorney files murder charges in Monday homicide
CARTHAGE — Hancock County authorities on Tuesday reported that a La Harpe woman died after being shot early Monday morning at a party in La Harpe.
According to a statement from Hancock County State’s Attorney Jason Pohren, the victim is 19-year-old Madison Finch. A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection to the shooting and was charged Tuesday afternoon with murder.
The boy’s identity has not been released by authorities.
Hancock County Sheriff Scott Bentzinger said deputies were called to the residence at the corner of Conch Drive and Terre Haute Road in La Harpe at 1:30 a.m. Monday. Finch was pronounced dead at 5:22 a.m. at the house by Hancock County Coroner Kendall Beals.
WGEM reported the teen boy appeared in court Tuesday afternoon and will face charges of aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree murder. The prosecution stated the incident happened at a party. The suspect brought a .22-caliber handgun to the party and shot the victim once in the head from behind. The suspect then ran away from the party. Although the suspect was located and initially jailed in Adams County, he will be placed in Hancock County Jail. Bail was denied.
Although the suspect did not have an attorney, a public defender was appointed. The Quincy Herald-Whig reports Hancock County Public Defender Kam Miller represented the boy. Pohren asked the court to try the boy as an adult.
The first preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 23. The request to try the suspect as an adult will also be considered Jan. 23.
An obituary for Madison “Maddie” Finch is on page 3 of this newspaper.
Reach Jared DuBach by email at jdubach@mcdonoughvoice.com.