ST. LOUIS — The man charged in Pontoon Beach police officer Tyler Timmins’ death had his case continued to later this month.
Scott Hyden, 31, had a hearing at 9 a.m. in Madison County Friday. The case was continued to Nov. 18 and he didn't appear in court.
Hyden has been charged with first-degree murder and is facing several other charges related to the shooting.
This isn't the first time Hyden has been behind bars. Court records show previous charges for guns and drugs and time in federal prison. Police said at the time of the shooting, Hyden had a warrant for his arrest for not showing up to court on drug and forgery charges.
On Oct. 26, 36-year-old Timmins was investigating a possible stolen car at a gas station along Illinois Route 111 when a man started shooting at him. Timmins was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital where he later died.
Timmins served as a police officer in Madison County communities for 14 years. Those who knew Timmins said his career as a police officer wasn’t about the gun and badge, it was about serving people.
"He was just one of those kids that everybody loved. A good student. A good kid. Life of the party, made you laugh,” said Butch McGill, who had Timmins as a student when McGill was a middle school principal.
His family also released a statement a few days after his death. They said while many people came to learn of him last week, he was loved and regarded as a hero for years.
“We will always remember his devotion to his family, his dedication to his career and community, and the love and laughter that he shared with us,” they wrote.
A funeral service was held for Timmins on Nov. 2 in Collinsville. During the service, his widow, brother, police chief and others spoke about his courage and commitment to the badge.
“The word hero is defined in the dictionary as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. For me, the definition of hero was my husband,” Timmins’ widow, Linsey, said.
How to help the Timmins family
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to the Tyler Timmins Memorial Fund c/o SIUE Credit Union.
A contribution can be sent via Venmo or checks can be sent to:
Tyler Timmins Family Memorial Fund
99 Supporting Services Road
Edwardsville, IL 62026
Here are some other ways you can help the Timmins' family.