Two teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of seven family members, five of them fatally, across multiple locations in East St. Louis, Illinois. Authorities announced on Tuesday that a 15-year-old girl and 16-year-old Ja’ymier Davis are facing numerous felony charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder. The victims were all members of the same family and were relatives of the 15-year-old suspect.
The tragedy unfolded over the weekend, beginning on Sunday when Illinois State Police discovered the human remains of three individuals at the Samuel Gompers Homes.
The state police quickly brought in their Public Safety Enforcement Group to assist with the widening investigation, which soon led them to four additional victims. Investigators determined that another relative was fatally shot near 39th and Summit streets, while one more was killed and two others were wounded during a shooting at Jones Park.
The deceased victims have been identified by officials as 74-year-old Patricia A. May, 49-year-old Cherie L. May, 25-year-old Shania W. Thompson, 24-year-old Devin May, and 21-year-old Quentin L. Thompson. The two surviving victims suffered injuries during the attack at the park. State police managed to apprehend both teenage suspects on Sunday after state troopers spotted and stopped a vehicle driven by one of the teens.
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On Tuesday, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a long list of severe charges against the pair. The charges include five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated vehicular hijacking, dismembering a human body, and the unlawful use of a stolen firearm.
Because of the gravity of the crimes, Davis has been charged as an adult. While the 15-year-old girl is currently charged as a juvenile, prosecutors have indicated they plan to petition the court to transfer her case to adult criminal court in the near future.
During a press conference, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly condemned the horrific violence as an act of pure evil but reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
