Death of 19-Year-Old Alexis Roelandt at Rock Island’s American Motor Inn Officially Ruled a Homicide, Prompting Full-Scale Investigation by Police Into Suspected Foul Play Surrounding Young Woman’s Tragic Death

ROCK ISLAND, IL — April 8, 2025 — The Rock Island Police Department has confirmed that the tragic death of 19-year-old Alexis J. Roelandt, whose body was discovered inside a motel room over the weekend, is now being treated as a homicide. The discovery, made on Saturday, April 5, at the American Motor Inn, initially began as a welfare check but has since escalated into an active murder investigation that has shaken the local community.

From Welfare Check to Crime Scene

Officers were dispatched to the American Motor Inn, located along a well-traveled section of Rock Island, around 11:11 a.m. on Saturday in response to a request for a welfare check. When authorities entered one of the rooms, they found the body of Alexis Roelandt, a resident of Davenport, Iowa, unresponsive. Emergency medical responders on the scene pronounced her dead shortly after.

Though the initial circumstances surrounding her death were unclear, an autopsy conducted by Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson on Tuesday, April 8, determined that Roelandt’s death was the result of foul play. The exact cause of death has not yet been publicly released, but officials have now classified the case as a homicide.

Victim Identified as Promising Young Woman

Family members and friends have identified Roelandt as a bright and kind-hearted young woman with a vibrant spirit and a promising future. Described by those who knew her as caring and compassionate, Alexis had recently begun making plans to pursue a career in social work and had dreams of making a positive impact on her community.

“She was the kind of person who always wanted to help others,” said one family friend. “It’s devastating to lose someone so young and full of potential in such a horrible way.”

Investigation Underway

The Rock Island Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is now leading the effort to uncover who is responsible for Roelandt’s death. Detectives have been gathering evidence from the motel and speaking with potential witnesses, but at this time, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of the American Motor Inn during the early hours of April 5—or who may have had contact with Roelandt in the days leading up to her death—to come forward with any information that could assist investigators.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said a spokesperson from the Rock Island Police Department. “We are doing everything in our power to bring closure to the victim’s family and to hold whoever is responsible accountable.”

Community Impact and Appeal for Justice

News of the homicide has sent shockwaves through both Rock Island and the nearby city of Davenport. Community members have expressed outrage and heartbreak over the violent death of a young woman in a location that has been the subject of prior safety concerns.

Local advocacy groups are calling for increased security measures and support for vulnerable populations, particularly young women who may be at risk in transient housing environments like motels.

Meanwhile, the Roelandt family is asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter, while also calling for justice and answers. “We just want to know what happened to Alexis,” a family member said. “And we want the person who did this to be held responsible.”

How to Help

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Rock Island Police Department directly at (309) 732-2677. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at (309) 762-9500 or via the P3 Tips mobile app.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help and remain committed to finding the truth behind the death of Alexis Roelandt—a life lost too soon, under tragic and deeply troubling circumstances.