Crime
Five Family Members Killed, Two Critically Injured in East St. Louis Shooting, Two Teen Suspects in Custody
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A devastating shooting in East St. Louis early Sunday morning left five people dead and two others critically injured, according to the Illinois State Police (ISP).
Authorities said all seven victims are related, making the incident a tragic loss for one family.
Two 16-year-old suspects have been taken into custody as investigators work to determine what led to the deadly violence.
During a press conference, Illinois State Police officials confirmed that the shooting occurred across three separate locations in East St. Louis, including Jones Park.
Authorities have not released the exact time when the shootings occurred or provided additional details about the sequence of events.
Investigators said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Police confirmed that seven people were shot during the incident.
Of those victims:
- Five people died from their injuries
- Two victims remain hospitalized in critical condition
Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims pending notification of family members.
Illinois State Police said two 16-year-old individuals are currently in custody in connection with the shooting.
Investigators confirmed that the two suspects are related to each other, and one of the suspects is also related to one of the victims who was killed.
Authorities have not announced potential charges as the investigation remains active.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.
Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.