A pair of teenagers, ages 16 and 15, were arrested in connection with a shooting spree in southern Illinois that resulted in the deaths of five family members, officials announced on Monday. The names and genders of the suspects have not been disclosed.
The authorities did not clarify the nature of the relationship between the suspects and their victims, although one suspect is reportedly related to the victims. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly mentioned that there is a ‘family connection’ between the suspects and the five individuals killed in East St. Louis.
The victims, who were shot at various locations, include Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25. Patricia May had a long career at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, working as an office support associate from 1986 until her retirement in 2011.
‘At least seven members of the targeted family were shot at multiple locations in the East St. Louis area, and as of right now, five victims have been confirmed deceased,’ Kelly stated.
The shootings took place across three sites, all in proximity. One individual was killed near Summit Avenue and North 39th Street. Three others were killed at the Samuel Gompers Homes. Another person was slain at Jones Park, where two others were injured.
The timing of the shootings remains unspecified. Chris Allen, a spokesperson for the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, stated that the Illinois Supreme Court rules restrict what the prosecutor’s office can comment on, especially when juveniles are involved.