Two patrons who recognized him from news reports called police . 2006 : Suspected spree killer described as meth addict . James T. Sheley , 28 , did not enter a plea at first court appearance . Police say ex - con confessed to eight killings over past week in Illinois , Missouri . All eight victims died of blunt - force trauma to head , authorities say .
2006 : Suspected spree killer described as meth addict . James T. Sheley , 28 , did not enter a plea at first court appearance . Police say ex - con confessed to eight killings over past week in Illinois , Missouri . All eight victims died of blunt - force trauma to head , authorities say .