State Investigators in Willow Long Case Honored

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Published on October 23 2015 11:02 am
Last Updated on October 23 2015 11:40 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The team of state police officers who assisted in the investigation of Willow Long's death in Effingham County in September of 2013 have been honored for their work.

The team of special agents from Illinois State Police Zone 7 Investigations based in Effingham were recognized with a distinguished service award by the Illinois Homicide Investigators Association. The award was presented this week at the Association's annual conference in Itasca.

Special agents receiving the award are Timothy Brown, who served as the case agent on the investigation as well as Kelly Hodge, Ryan Shoemaker, Jeffrey Klein, Holly Finney, Albert Gallatin. Hodge has since become Commander of State Police District 12 in Effingham.

In receiving the honor, the Special Agents were commended for their "exemplary performance, quality teamwork, and strong determination that led to the conviction of Justin DeRyke, Willow's uncle, for the murder. DeRyke was ultimately sentenced to life in prison.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler commented, "As the State's Attorney, it is my duty to praise quality police work. Thus, I want the people of Effingham County to know and realize that this award is a big deal. It affirms that the men and women of Zone 7 Investigations are amazing and everyone should know that fact."