In a grim discovery that has shaken the Rock Island, Illinois community, a 10-year-old boy was found dead inside a garbage can in the garage of his family home last week. The Rock Island Police Department initiated an investigation into what they initially termed a “suspicious death” at the residence, culminating in charges being filed against the boy’s mother, according to reports.
Police were called to the home last Wednesday to investigate a concerning situation, as detailed in a press release reported by TV6. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Zion Staples. Disturbingly, reports from ABC 6 News, citing authorities, indicated that the young boy’s body had been concealed within the trash receptacle for approximately seven months. Zion’s mother, 37-year-old Sushi Staples, is now facing serious charges including concealment of a death, failure to report the death of a child under 13, and obstruction of justice.
The Quad City Times further reported that the body was deliberately hidden inside a garbage bin located within the garage of the home. The subsequent autopsy was conducted by Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson in Rockford, Illinois. Coroner Gustafson stated that preliminary findings suggest the death is suspicious, adding further weight to the gravity of the situation. “Due to the extreme initiation of the investigation, no further information will be available at this time,” he stated, as reported by TV6, highlighting the sensitive nature of the ongoing probe.
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The discovery has left neighbors in shock and disbelief. One neighbor, speaking to ABC 6 News, expressed bewilderment at the length of time it took to find the boy and questioned what specific clue ultimately led to the grim discovery. She recounted her own experience with a dead animal to illustrate the disturbing nature of concealing a body for such an extended period. “I had a dead raccoon in my backyard, and we put it in a garbage can, I mean, in a garbage bag and then put it in a garbage can,” she explained. “And I couldn’t even stand the smell waiting for garbage day. So I can’t imagine, that with the wind directions, that nobody would smell that.” Her statement underscores the unsettling questions surrounding how such a situation could have gone undetected for so long.
An anonymous tip played a crucial role in uncovering the tragic truth. As reported by TV6 in a follow-up article, a woman who provided the crucial tip that led authorities to Zion spoke about her motivations, requesting anonymity. This source revealed that she had contacted the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on multiple occasions in recent months due to concerning statements allegedly made by Staples regarding her son. The tipster stated that Staples had made an unsettling comment on January 3rd, saying that Christmas would “never be the same again.” It was a call to DCFS on July 25th that prompted the welfare check, ultimately leading to the discovery of Zion’s body in the garage.
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Neighbors Andre and Danielle Builta, who had recently moved in last month, shared their observations with TV6, painting a picture of a seemingly normal family. “We saw that, we saw two girls. You know, coming sometimes, like out in the yard,” Danielle Builta said. “I saw them drawing with chalk in the back driveway.” Andre Builta added, “Playing with scooters out in front of the garage, everything seemed really normal.” Their account highlights the stark contrast between outward appearances and the hidden tragedy within the home. Andre Builta expressed the unsettling feeling of living so close to the scene, stating that “knowing what was in the garage” just 30 feet from their new house is “worrying” and “kind of scary.”
Sushi Staples made her first court appearance last Friday and is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 15th. Reports indicate it remains unclear whether she has entered a plea. PEOPLE’s attempts to reach an attorney representing Staples were unsuccessful. The Rock Island Police Department has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for further comments on the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information relevant to this case to come forward and contact the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677, Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500, or through the P3 Tips app. The investigation remains active and ongoing as the community grapples with the horrific details of this heartbreaking case of a 10-year-old Rock Island boy found dead.
