Escaped Illinois Murderer Arrested in Iowa

Vandalia, IL, USA / Vandalia Radio

Nov 24, 2025 | 4:59 AM

(Davenport, IA) — An 18-year-old Illinois murder suspect who escaped from a Chicago program is fighting to stay in Iowa after being caught over the weekend. Johnell Smith was arrested Friday in Davenport following nine days on the run, and court records show he refused to waive extradition back to Illinois. He’s being held in the Scott County Jail without bond.

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