Springfield Man Charged in 2024 Homicide

An arrest has been made in connection with the March 2024 death of a Springfield woman whose remains were discovered near Interstate 55. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 4, working in coordination with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, has announced that 57-year-old Robert Lee Jr. of Springfield has been charged with three counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of Concealment of a Homicidal Death.

The case began on March 13, 2024, when the Illinois Department of Transportation reported the discovery of human remains near the southbound I-55 ramp from Stevenson Drive. The victim was later identified as Teresa Coleman, also of Springfield. Following the initial investigation and preliminary autopsy results, authorities determined Coleman’s death was a homicide. ISP agents were requested to lead the investigation, which continued for over a year.

After an extensive effort, ISP special agents identified Lee as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and on July 23, 2025, Lee was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force alongside ISP personnel. He is currently being held in the Sangamon County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

The investigation into Coleman’s death remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427. Information leading to a conviction could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

As with all criminal cases, the charges filed are not evidence of guilt. Robert Lee Jr. is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.