On May 31, 2024, Beardstown police responded to a 911 call at a home in the 1400 block of Clay Street and found a man deceased in a vehicle nearby. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Steve Dominguez of Beardstown. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 assisted Beardstown officers in the investigation.

A 37-year-old Beardstown resident, Jean C. Santiago-Nieves, remained at the scene and was taken into custody. Authorities say Santiago-Nieves was charged with first-degree murder after the investigation. Reported case materials indicate the shooting followed an argument reportedly related to an illegal cannabis venture that Dominguez wanted to exit; Santiago-Nieves told investigators he shot Dominguez in self-defense in a recorded statement.

Does anyone have information about Steve Dominguez, his activities in Beardstown, or the events on Clay Street that night?