EXCLUSIVE - 3rd Chute murder suspect alleged to have additional firearm incident earlier that night
Photos sent to Sunken Press by anonymous bystander
This blurry photo as well as a photo of the rear end of a black Chevrolet Tahoe was sent to Sunken Press by someone who was at River’s Edge Phillips 66 gas station in West Alton last Saturday night between 10:30-11 p.m. The person who took them wishes to remain anonymous, but they believe the person in the photo was Joseph Torres, who is accused of murdering Malcolm Woodhouse-Alexander in the parking lot of 3rd Chute II in Alton a couple of hours later with a firearm. The witness claims Torres was brandishing a firearm at the gas pump (which the photo reinforces). They said they called St. Charles County Police as well.
Charges filed in 3rd Chute shooting
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office confirmed details relayed to Sunken Press over the weekend in a Facebook post, announcing charges against Joseph A. Torres II in the shooting death of Malcolm Woodhouse-Alexander in the parking lot of 3rd Ch…
After obtaining the photos, we sent them to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for verification on July 15. Late this afternoon, MCSO Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido confirmed the person in that photo brandishing the firearm is alleged murderer Joseph Torres. He also issued the following statement:
“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is aware of another incident involving Joseph Torres that took place before the fatal shooting took place at 3rd Chute.
“That incident occurred on the gas station parking lot in West Alton, MO. During that incident, Joseph Torres was reportedly carrying a firearm.
“Sheriff’s Detectives are collaborating with the St. Charles County (Mo) Police Department, as they investigated the West Alton incident.”
The anonymous bystander said they wished St. Charles Police had responded sooner and caught Torres before he was able to make it to 3rd Chute where he is alleged to have murdered Woodhouse-Alexander. They said they are happy to comply with the investigation into the incident.
We are happy we could help in this investigation into cold-blooded murder. Our community can and will do better in the future, and, while we are openly suspicious and critical of the institution of policing, we support those officers who are carrying out justice on behalf of the deaths of the victims.
AGAIN, EVERYONE IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW, and even then, it’s perfectly reasonable to harbor some doubts.