Haine announces guilty verdict in trial of Highland man who killed his infant son
Shires (photo courtesy of Madison County State’s Attorney)
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Feb. 12 that a jury has found a 41-year-old Highland man guilty of first-degree murder in the death of the man’s 3‐month‐old son.
Dustin Shires, 41, was found guilty Thursday of causing injuries that resulted in the death of Shires’ son, Jameson Shires. The verdict was returned after a trial lasting more than a week and involving extensive testimony from multiple medical experts.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner.
Yager, in his opening statement, told jurors that, according to Jameson’s medical providers, the infant was a “happy, healthy baby” until his sudden death.
Foley, in her closing argument, noted that bodycam footage showed Shires referring to his son as “it” more than 20 times while speaking with paramedics and police officers who responded to the Shires residence.
“He called his own son ‘it’ – over and over and over again,” Foley argued.
Paramedics and police went to the Shires residence in Highland on March 14, 2023, for a report of an unresponsive infant. Jameson was pronounced deceased that evening at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
Haine said the verdict reflects the jury’s careful consideration of a deeply complex and heartbreaking case.
“This is an unthinkable crime. A baby’s life was taken,” Haine said. “The details were so difficult that even one of the responding police officers was understandably moved to tears during his testimony. I’m grateful to the jury for their attention and dedication throughout this long and emotional trial.”
Haine also expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the agencies involved in the investigation.
“This case required extraordinary work from many professionals,” Haine said. “We thank the Highland Police Department, Highland Fire Department, Highland EMS, the regional Child Death Investigation Task Force, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the St. Louis City Medical Examiner and the assisting agencies for their tireless efforts. Their commitment ensured that the truth was uncovered and that justice for Jameson could be secured.”
Haine also commended Jameson’s mother, who testified for the prosecution.
“During hours of testimony, she courageously recounted the events surrounding her baby’s death,” Haine said. “We cannot even begin to imagine the loss she has suffered and the pain she has endured. We continue to hold her in our prayers, and hope this guilty verdict is a step toward healing.”
Haine also thanked the prosecution team.
“Little Jameson couldn’t tell us what happened to him. But our prosecution team was able to present evidence and testimony that gave Jameson the voice he never had,” Haine said.
The jury deliberated for about three hours. Shires faces up to 60 years in prison when he is sentenced later. Circuit Judge Amy Maher presided at the trial, which began Feb. 3.
