On 9/13/2023 the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased individual lying outside a residence at Little Swan Lake. The decedent was identified as Donald Friday, 27, with a last known address of Bushnell.
An investigation showed Friday died at another location in Little Swan Lake. A search warrant was then executed at another residence in Little Swan Lake where Friday allegedly died.
Drake Taflinger, 27 of Little Swan Lake, and Alica Simpson, 25 with a listed address of Macomb, were located and arrested by the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office in connection with this matter.
Taflinger and Simpson were charged with abuse of a corpse (unauthorized removal), and Taflinger was additionally charged as a felon in possession of ammunition. Judges set Taflinger’s bond at $75,000 (10% to apply); and Simpson’s at $50,000 (10% to apply), respectively.
The decedent’s autopsy is scheduled for September 15th; investigation continues.
Agencies involved or assisting in this matter were Special Agents with the Illinois State Police, Crime Scene Investigators with the Illinois State Police, Fulton and McDonough County Sheriff Offices, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Coroner, and the Warren County State’s Attorney’s Office.
All persons involved are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
***Courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department***
