WSIL-TV 3 ABC

Top Stories

Last updated 6:38 am CT February 09, 2010.

E-mail Story Print Story

Second Suspect In West Frankfort Murders Makes First Appearance

FRANKLIN COUNTY-- After more than a month in custody in Colorado- Michael Schallert has been extradited to Illinois. On Monday, the accused killer heard the charges against him, including two counts of first degree murder. A Franklin County judge spent much of the proceedings explaining the six charges filed against Schallert.

Schallert and a second suspect, Afton Ferris, both face two counts of first degree murder . They also face several other felony charges including armed robbery and home invasion.

Schallert was stoic as he left the courthouse Monday morning after learning he is eligible for the death penalty in this case. During court the judge appointed two lawyers certified in death penalty cases. Both of Schallert's attorneys are from outside Franklin County.

The State's Attorney claims, on October 18th, Schallert and Ferris stole a gun, walked to the home of Kandis Majors and Terri Seibeck and shot them multiple times. Schallert is being held at the county jail on $2-million bond. He is slated for a preliminary hearing on the 30th.

New details about the murder emerged on Friday when Ferris appeared for a preliminary hearing. According to police testimony, during a taped interrogation, Ferris told detectives she and Schallert were upset because they were being kicked out of Seibeck and Majors house. Ferris told authorities the two walked to the house, and Schallert shot both victims as they opened the door. Authorities say, Ferris told them, she then grabbed the weapon and shot Seibeck again.

Ferris will be back in court on December 4th.

By: Rachel Gartner
rgartner@wsiltv.com

<< Back to Previous Page