February 11, 2025
Crime & Courts | Daily Chronicle
Crime & Courts

Death of Morris man classified as a homicide

Police say the crime was not random, seek information from public

By Shaw Media

Grundy County Coroner John Callahan wheels a gurney into a residence on Twilight Drive Friday afternoon. Daniel Smiley, 65, of Morris was found dead inside of multiple stab wounds early Friday. (Kevin Solari)

MORRIS – Shortly after 9 p.m. Friday, Morris police announced that the death of Daniel Smiley was officially classified a homicide.

Morris police and fire crews had responded to a call of an unresponsive individual at 9:23 a.m. Friday at the Canterbury Woods apartment complex in the 800 block of Twilight Drive. They discovered the 65-year-old and he was pronounced dead at 9:45 .m. at the scene.

"Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Smiley has multiple stab wounds over his body," according to a press release from Grundy County Coroner John Callahan released Friday afternoon.

Morris Police Chief John Severson said police have been following physical and technological leads.

"Currently there is no one in custody and investigators are following leads," a news release sent Friday night reads. "The preliminary investigation indicates this is not a random crime. However, as always, we encourage people to be aware of their surroundings and call in any suspicious behavior."

Police are asking if anyone has any information to contact the Morris Police Department at 815-942-2131 or Crimestoppers at 815-942-9667.

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