On September 23, 2023, at approximately 7:26 a.m., McDonough County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 307 Cathy St, Colchester, IL for a report of two juveniles ages 10 and 8, complaining that their father, William Christopher Bueker, 38, of Colchester, IL had hit them with a belt. Deputies located injuries to the 8-year-old and a report was made with the Department of Child and Family Services.
DCFS investigator responded and placed the kids in a temporary home while the case was being investigated. A 3rd child was transported to MDH for an evaluation and later transported to OSF in Peoria for further treatment.
McDonough County Sheriff’s Office Detectives continued to investigate the case by conducting interviews with several neighbors and witnesses. During the investigation, an adult female alleged that Bueker had battered and choked her on the same day. Forensic interviews with the children were conducted on September 26, 2023.
The McDonough County Sheriff’s Office conducted search warrants of the residence located at 913 Macomb St, Trailer #21 & #22, Colchester, IL. Detectives and Deputies located 8 firearms and they were all taken as evidence.
Bueker was initially charged with Domestic Battery and Aggravated Domestic Battery. After conducting the search warrant at Bueker’s residence, he was charged with 8 counts of possessing a Firearm without a valid FOID card.
***Courtesy of McDonough County Sheriff Nicholas M. Petitgout***