EAST ST. LOUIS, Illinois — Illinois State Police are investigating a devastating targeted mass shooting that left five members of the same family dead and two others seriously injured in East St. Louis. Authorities have taken two teenage suspects into custody as investigators work to determine the motive behind the deadly attack.
The shootings unfolded at multiple locations across the city, with victims found at 39th Street and Summit Avenue, the Gompers public housing complex, and Jones Park. Officials described the incident as a targeted attack involving members of the same family.
Five Family Members Killed in Coordinated Shooting
According to Illinois State Police (ISP), five victims were pronounced dead following the shootings, while two additional family members suffered serious injuries and were transported to a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, for emergency treatment.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as:
- Cherie L. May, 49
- Devin D. May, 24
- Patricia A. May, 74
- Quentin L. Thompson, 21
- Shania W. Thompson, 25
All five victims were residents of East St. Louis, police said.
Officials have not released the identities or medical conditions of the two surviving victims, who remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
Shooting Spanned Multiple Crime Scenes
Investigators said the violence occurred at several locations throughout East St. Louis rather than a single crime scene, making the investigation especially complex.
The reported shooting locations include:
- 39th Street and Summit Avenue
- Gompers public housing project
- Jones Park
Crime scene investigators spent hours collecting evidence from each location as detectives worked to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly shootings.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed exactly where each victim was found or whether the shootings occurred simultaneously or over a short period of time.
Two Teenage Suspects Taken Into Custody
During a Sunday evening press conference, Illinois State Police confirmed that two teenage suspects, ages 15 and 16, were taken into custody following the shootings.
Investigators said no formal charges had been filed as of the latest update.
Police also revealed that at least one of the suspects is believed to be related to at least one of the victims, suggesting the tragedy may have involved a family dispute or another personal conflict.
Officials have not released the suspects’ identities because they are juveniles.
Authorities Describe Attack as Targeted
State police characterized the incident as a targeted mass shooting, indicating investigators do not believe it was a random act of violence.
While officials have not released a possible motive, detectives continue interviewing witnesses, gathering surveillance footage and processing evidence from the multiple crime scenes.
Investigators have also not disclosed what type of weapon or weapons were used during the attack or whether additional suspects may have been involved.
Investigation Remains Active
Illinois State Police continue leading the homicide investigation with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Officials said investigators are focused on determining exactly how the shootings unfolded and establishing the events leading up to the attack.
Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators as they continue gathering evidence.
Because the investigation remains ongoing, police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shootings or the relationship between all of the victims and suspects.
The tragic incident has shocked the East St. Louis community, where residents continue mourning the loss of five family members in one of the area’s deadliest recent acts of violence.
The investigation remains active. The two teenagers are in police custody, but no criminal charges have yet been filed. As with all criminal investigations, any future charges will remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? What steps do you think communities and families can take to help prevent violence involving young people? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
