KEWANEE — Police are no closer to finding out who killed 39‑year‑old Catrelle Reed, whose body was discovered one year ago in rural Kewanee.
Reed was reported missing on May 22, 2025, after his last known contact around 2 p.m. that day. The Kewanee Police Department issued a public appeal for help, noting that Reed was believed to be wearing brown boots, blue jeans and a high‑visibility vest. Officers also described his distinctive tattoos — a rose on his hand, wings on his neck and several others on his upper body.
In the days that followed, police searched areas near Reed’s home and reviewed surveillance footage. His vehicle was found parked in an alley near his residence before he was officially reported missing. Detectives used license‑plate reader data, cell‑phone forensics and neighborhood canvasses to trace his movements, confirming the vehicle had been seen driving between 7 and 8 a.m. on May 23.
Despite extensive efforts, investigators found no sign of Reed. The case drew widespread community attention, with residents organizing search efforts and creating a Facebook page to share updates. At the time, police urged the public to avoid random searches, explaining that uncoordinated efforts could hinder the investigation.
On May 30, eight days after Reed was reported missing, a body was discovered in a rural area west of Kewanee near Highway 81 and East 2350th Street. The Henry County Coroner’s Office later confirmed the remains were Reed’s.
An autopsy conducted on June 2 determined that Reed’s death was a homicide. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 2 took over the case, working alongside the Kewanee Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Since then, investigators have continued to pursue leads, but no arrests have been made.
In an update to The Kewanee Voice, the ISP say the case remains active and they are still seeking information from the public.
Anyone with details that may assist the investigation is asked to contact ISP Zone 2 Special Agent Walt Willis at 309‑948‑4818 or email ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov.
