Illinois State Police arrest Swansea woman for first-degree murder
By Tribune Staff • The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) arrested 23-year-old Brion D. Bess of Swansea, for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).
On June 3, 2026, the East St. Louis Police Department requested ISP to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred at the intersection of 25th Street and Ridge Avenue. The victim, 24-year-old, Ni’kajha A.K. Johnson of St. Louis, MO was shot inside her vehicle while stopped at a stop sign. Johnson was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
After a thorough investigation, with the assistance of the East St. Louis Police Department, ISP PSEG Special Agents identified Bess as the suspect. On June 5, 2026, ISP presented the case to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, who charged Bess with First Degree Murder. Bess is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending her first court appearance. There is no further information.
