(AP) – Thousands of people lined a 25-mile route as the body of a slain Illinois state trooper was returned to his small hometown.
Trooper Nicholas Hopkins was fatally shot Friday while serving a search warrant in East St. Louis. Officers on motorcycles led the way Monday as the 33-year-old’s body was transported from St. Louis to Waterloo, Illinois.
People holding American flags crossed their hearts as the procession passed. KTVI-TV reports the hearse stopped at Hopkins’ home. He was married with three children.
Katelyn Schanuel watched the procession near Waterloo City Hall. She says it “brought tears” to her eyes.
Hopkins’ family says the public’s support is “imprinted on our hearts forever.”
The family’s statement released Monday says his passion for life could be summed up in these words: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
The Belleville News-Democrat reports Hopkins’ funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at Waterloo High School in his southern Illinois hometown. Visitation will be held there 3-9 p.m. Saturday.
Chris Grant, 45, has been charged with murder in Hopkins’ death. Another man was charged Monday with armed violence and obstructing justice.
