Police mark 18 years since killing of Streator boy Dalton Mesarchik

Eighteen years ago Friday, Dalton Mesarchik stood outside his Streator home waiting for a ride to Bible study. It was the last time the 7-year-old was seen alive.

The next day, a fisherman found Dalton’s body fully clothed, floating down the Vermilion River near the Vermillion Boat Club. Police discovered the murder weapon, a Benchtop Pro 3-pound hammer from K-Mart, in a dumpster outside the PNA Hall in Streator.

State police issued a reminder Friday they haven’t given up the investigation and that a $50,000 reward awaits anyone who can help solve the case.

In a press release, the agency said the investigation remains a priority and is assigned to the ISP Division of Criminal Investigations. The DCI continues to work closely with the Streator Police Department, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston County Coroner’s Office, FBI, and the La Salle and Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Offices in an effort to solve this case.

“With assistance from the above agencies, the (unit) continues to follow up on all existing and new leads,” read the statement. “To date, approximately 2,000 leads have been opened and investigated. Of these, many have led to additional follow up assignments within and outside the state of Illinois. In addition, approximately 500 evidentiary exhibits have been seized in this investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or other crimes is encouraged to contact the ISP DCI by email at ISP.DCI.Zone05@Illinois.gov.

Dalton’s disappearance and death have attracted nationwide attention. Dalton’s mother Michelle and sister Deana appeared on the Steve Wilkos Show in June 2016 and the case has also been highlighted on popular YouTube personality LordanARTS channel with over 21,000 views.