Flora Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Bond has been set at $500,000 for Shane Highsmith of Flora. He was charged with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon after allegedly stabbing multiple people with a knife at the Oyo Motel/Rodeway Inn in Flora early Sunday morning.

Clay County State’s Attorney Andrew Koester says the Flora Police Department responded to a call regarding a fight in progress around two Sunday morning. Initial information indicates the stabbings occurred inside one of the motel rooms and out in the parking lot. Koester reported the victims are in stable condition.

There are no other suspects at this time and no other details are currently being released.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services assisted Flora Police in the investigation.

On Monday Highsmith had the public defender appointed to represent him during his first appearance in court via Zoom call. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victims if released from custody.  A first appearance in court with his public defender was set for January 6th.

Koester also thanked the first responders involved in their tireless work over the Christmas Holiday weekend.