Death investigation underway in Highland, Illinois after incident at Silver Lake

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - She says 19-year-old Damien Zancha died after being shot at Silver Lake on May 22nd.

She said 19-year-old Damien Zancha died after being shot at Silver Lake on May 22.

Zancha told First Alert 4, “I just want them to come forward and just get it off your chest.”

As family celebrated Damien’s life with a balloon release May 31, rumors circulated on social media about his mysterious death.

“They had told me there was one gunshot wound to the head, that it was suicide, but that was before they had even gotten a coroner’s report or any autopsies,” said Zancha.

She went on to say, “I don’t think until it actually blew up on social media, did they really take this seriously?”

June 5, two weeks after Damien died, the Highland Police Department released a statement saying, “The Highland Police Department, in conjunction with the Madison County Coroner’s Office, is actively conducting a death investigation related to an incident that occurred at Silver Lake.

We understand the public’s concern and are committed to providing accurate information as it becomes available. The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority.

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest any danger to the public.

This is an open and active investigation. Forensic analysis results in this case are still pending. No further details are being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Please be advised that we are aware of numerous social media posts regarding this incident. of the public with any information relevant to this case are encouraged to Detective Kingery at the Highland Police Department directly by calling 618-654-2131 ext 3. Any media requests should be directed to Chief Carole Widman with the Highland Police Department. "

Damien’s mother believes police dropped the ball.

She claims Damien went to Silver Lake with people he thought were his friends saying, “I kind of believe that this was maybe like a love triangle gone wrong slash robbery because my child’s debit cards and stuff were used the day after he had died.”

Zancha wants police to do their due diligence in investigating her son’s death.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident should Detective Kingery at the Highland Police Department directly by calling 618-654-2131 ext 3.

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