EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Five people are dead and two teenage suspects are in custody following what authorities describe as a targeted mass shooting against a family in East St. Louis.
The Illinois State Police (ISP), working alongside the East St. Louis Police Department, announced on Sunday July 12, 2026, that the investigation remains active after at least seven members of the same family were shot at multiple locations throughout the city.
According to a preliminary investigation, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were taken into custody on Sunday, July 12, after Illinois State Police officers successfully used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle the suspects were traveling in.
Authorities said five victims, all from East St. Louis, have been confirmed dead. 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.
Officials said at least seven members of the targeted family were shot during the series of attacks. Information regarding the conditions of the surviving victims has not yet been released.
Investigators emphasized that the shooting appears to have been a targeted attack and said there is no known threat to the public at this time.
Illinois State Police said investigators have been in close communication with the State’s Attorney’s Office and will be seeking charges against both juvenile suspects.
The investigation remains fluid, and authorities said additional information will be released as it becomes available.