Police arrest two teenagers over targeted mass shooting
One of the teenagers is suspected of having a direct role in the shootings
Two teenagers were arrested on Sunday after five members of the same family were killed during a targeted Illinois family mass shooting. The attacks, which also left two other family members injured, occurred at multiple locations in the East St. Louis area.
The Associated Press, WANE 15, and WTTW reported that the fatal victims were identified as 74-year-old Patricia A. May, 49-year-old Cherie L. May, 24-year-old Devin D. May, 25-year-old Shania W. Thompson, and 21-year-old Quentin L. Thompson. Authorities have not disclosed the exact family relationships among those who were killed. Illinois State Police officers arrested the 15-year-old and 16-year-old suspects after using a Precision Immobilisation Technique manoeuvre to stop their vehicle. At least one of the teenagers is suspected of having a direct role in the shootings.
The Illinois State Police released a statement confirming there is no known threat to the public at this time. Investigators are currently working alongside the State’s Attorney’s Office to pursue formal charges against the two detained suspects. During a press conference, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly condemned the targeted Illinois family mass shooting, describing the event as terrible and evil, but added that it would not keep the city down.
Police confirmed that the investigation into the multi-location attacks remains active and ongoing. The agency noted that additional details regarding the motive and the relationship between the suspects and the victims will be released as they become available.