A tragic mass shooting in East St. Louis, Illinois, has left five members of the same family dead and two others injured in what Illinois State Police are describing as a “targeted mass shooting.”
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According to Fox News, seven members of the family were shot during the incident over the weekend. Five victims died from their injuries, while two survived. Authorities have not released the conditions of the surviving victims.
The victims have been identified as 49-year-old Cherie L. May, 24-year-old Devin D. May, 74-year-old Patricia A. May, 21-year-old Quentin L. Thompson, and 25-year-old Shania W. Thompson.
Illinois State Police say two teenage suspects, ages 15 and 16 years old, have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Investigators also confirmed that one of the suspects is related to the family. Because both suspects are juveniles, authorities have released limited information about their identities or the potential charges they may face.
The fatal shootings occurred at three different locations, including a park, all within just a few miles of each other, officials said. A timeline of exactly when the shootings took place has not been provided.
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Officials believe the shooting was targeted but have not disclosed a motive or additional details about what led to the violence. Detectives continue to process evidence, interview witnesses, and work to determine the events that unfolded before the deadly attack.
The loss of five family members has sent shockwaves through the East St. Louis community, with residents mourning one of the area’s deadliest acts of family violence in recent memory.
The investigation remains active, and Illinois State Police say additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact investigators.
As loved ones grieve the devastating loss, authorities continue working to uncover what led to the tragedy and bring justice to the victims and their families.
