Mayor of twice bankrupt village near St. Louis fatally shot

Mayor of village near St. Louis fatally shot

WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Police say the mayor of a decaying, bankrupt village near St. Louis has been fatally shot.

Washington Park Police Detective Kim McAfee says John Thornton was shot twice in the chest at close range Thursday and died at a hospital.

There was no immediate word on any suspects or charges.

Washington Park declared bankruptcy in July, and several village employees have faced federal charges that they stole from the village.

Washington Park is about 10 miles east of St. Louis.