Former Creve Coeur Officer Accused Following Illinois State Police Investigation
A former Creve Coeur Police Department officer has been charged with first-degree murder following an Illinois State Police investigation into the March 10, 2026, shooting death of her roommate.
According to court records filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court, 28-year-old Caitlynn J. Girkin faces three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of 29-year-old Adolfo Cazares. Prosecutors allege Girkin personally discharged the firearm that caused Cazares’ death.
Under Illinois law, multiple first-degree murder counts in a single homicide case commonly reflect different legal theories of prosecution rather than allegations involving multiple victims.
Court Appearance
Girkin appeared in Tazewell County Circuit Court by video from the county jail. Prosecutors requested that she remain detained pending trial.
The detention hearing was continued until the following week after Girkin advised the court that she intended to retain private counsel rather than accept representation from the public defender’s office.
Assistant Public Defender Matt Hoppock, who appeared for the limited purpose of the hearing, advised the court that discovery included more than 500 pages of police reports and two recorded interviews lasting approximately four hours each. The prosecution agreed that additional time was appropriate before proceeding with the detention hearing.
Under Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act, detention hearings determine whether prosecutors have met the legal burden required to deny pretrial release based on factors such as public safety or risk of flight.
Initial 911 Call
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the court, Creve Coeur police officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Roosevelt Road at approximately 2:13 a.m. on March 10 after receiving a 911 call placed by Girkin.
According to the affidavit, Girkin reported that a man had shot himself using her personal firearm.
Responding officers located Cazares inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Court records state he was found in a hallway wearing sweatpants that were partially pulled down and was bleeding from his nose, mouth, and chest.
Investigators also recovered a handgun from Girkin’s bedroom, according to the charging documents.
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Illinois State Police Investigation
Because Girkin was an active police officer at the time of the shooting, the Illinois State Police assumed responsibility for the criminal investigation in accordance with Illinois procedures intended to avoid potential conflicts of interest involving local agencies.
Court documents summarize multiple statements Girkin allegedly provided to investigators over the course of the investigation.
Statements Described in Charging Documents
According to the affidavit, Girkin initially told investigators that Cazares entered her bedroom carrying the handgun and pointed it toward her.
She reportedly stated that she grabbed for the weapon during a struggle, heard a gunshot, and then asked Cazares whether he had shot himself. According to investigators, Girkin said Cazares responded that he had.
The affidavit states Girkin also told investigators that Cazares’ sweatpants fell after he collapsed.
According to court records, Girkin later told investigators that Cazares had entered the room with the firearm while pulling down his sweatpants. She reportedly stated that the two struggled over the weapon before she gained control of it and shot him.
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Follow-Up Interview
According to charging documents, investigators conducted a second interview with Girkin on April 23.
The affidavit states that Girkin initially repeated portions of her earlier account before providing a different version of events.
According to investigators, Girkin later stated that Cazares had not entered the room carrying the firearm. Instead, she allegedly said the handgun had been sitting on her nightstand when Cazares entered the bedroom.
Court records allege Girkin told investigators that Cazares attempted to touch her leg, prompting her to push him away and retrieve the handgun.
According to the affidavit, Girkin told investigators that Cazares raised his hands and said, “Don’t shoot me,” but continued moving toward her, at which point she fired the weapon.
Snapchat Messages Referenced
According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators asked Girkin why Cazares had entered her bedroom.
The affidavit states that Girkin told investigators she had sent Snapchat messages showing herself holding a handgun to her head and another image showing the firearm in her mouth.
Investigators allege these messages prompted Cazares to come into her room.
Alleged Inconsistencies
According to the charging documents, investigators noted what they described as inconsistencies between Girkin’s statements.
The affidavit states that during the April interview Girkin told investigators she feared Cazares intended to sexually assault her.
However, investigators wrote that this differed from statements she allegedly made in March, during which she reportedly acknowledged having previously engaged in consensual sexual relations with Cazares and stated that he had not made sexual advances toward her during the incident.
These allegations are contained within the affidavit supporting probable cause. They have not been tested in court.
The Creve Coeur Police Department posted on Sept. 16, 2025, three photos showing Police Chief Justin Egan congratulating Caitlynn Girkin.
Potential Penalties
If convicted of first-degree murder under Illinois law, Girkin faces a sentencing range established by statute.
The charging documents further allege that she personally discharged the firearm causing death. If proven beyond a reasonable doubt, that allegation could subject her to a mandatory firearm sentencing enhancement under Illinois law in addition to any sentence imposed for first-degree murder.
Any sentence would ultimately be determined by the court following any conviction.
Current Status
- Caitlynn J. Girkin has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
- She has not been convicted of any offense.
- A detention hearing has been continued to allow time for counsel to review discovery and for Girkin to retain private representation.
- The Illinois State Police conducted the criminal investigation.
- The criminal case remains pending in Tazewell County Circuit Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there three first-degree murder charges if only one person died?
Illinois prosecutors frequently file multiple first-degree murder counts based on different legal theories permitted under state law. Multiple counts in a single homicide case do not necessarily indicate multiple victims.
Why did the Illinois State Police investigate?
Because Girkin was a police officer at the time of the shooting, the Illinois State Police investigated the incident to avoid potential conflicts of interest involving the local agency.
Has Girkin been convicted?
No. The charges are allegations, and Girkin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
What happens next?
The court will conduct a detention hearing to determine whether prosecutors have met the legal standard to hold Girkin in custody while the criminal case proceeds. Subsequent hearings will address the underlying criminal charges.
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