Hamilton man facing attempted first degree murder charge, jailed with $3 million bond

HAMILTON, Ill. — A Hamilton man has been charged with attempted first degree murder after threatening to shoot people at a Hamilton residence.

At approximately 12:37 a.m. Saturday, the Hamilton Police Department was dispatched to 331 N. Seventh for a report of a man at the house with a gun. The initial report indicated the gun had been fired in the house and that the suspect, James F. Carel, 72, of Hamilton, had threatened to shoot people at the residence. Evidence on scene confirmed the gun had been fired.

Carel was disarmed by an occupant and subdued until law enforcement officers arrived. He was taken into custody and transported to the Hancock County Jail, where he awaits court proceedings.

Carel has been charged with attempted first degree murder; home invasion, a Class X felony;
aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony; and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.

Carel’s bond has been set at $3 million.

The case is being investigated by the Hamilton Police Department, which received assistance from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Carthage Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Reserve.