Crime
16-Year-Old Ja’ymeir Davis and 15-year-old Wynitta Thompson Charged After Five Family Members Killed in East St. Louis Shooting Spree
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A 16-year-old suspect has been formally charged as an adult in connection with a devastating series of shootings that claimed the lives of five members of the same family and left two others seriously wounded in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Ja’ymeir Davis, 16, is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors filed a criminal complaint and obtained an arrest warrant on July 14, 2026.
Under Illinois law, Davis was automatically charged in adult criminal court through the Juvenile Court Act’s excluded-jurisdiction provision, which requires defendants aged 16 or older accused of first-degree murder to be prosecuted as adults.
Prosecutors said they intend to seek pretrial detention at the earliest opportunity.
According to court records, Davis has been charged with:
- Five counts of First-Degree Murder
- Two counts of Attempted Murder
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery
- One count of Dismembering a Human Body
- One count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
- One count of Unlawful Use of a Stolen Firearm
Officials have not released additional details regarding the specific allegations supporting each charge, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.
Authorities also identified a second suspect as 15-year-old Wynitta Thompson, who is currently facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, through a juvenile delinquency petition.
The State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed prosecutors are seeking to have Thompson’s case transferred from juvenile court to adult court, where she could face prosecution under Illinois criminal law if the request is approved.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Illinois State Police and assisting agencies,” the State’s Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
Officials added they will not release further details about the facts of the case while the investigation and prosecution remain active.
The deadly violence unfolded on Sunday, July 12, when Illinois State Police responded to multiple shooting scenes throughout East St. Louis.
Investigators said the attacks occurred at three separate locations:
- Near 39th Street and Summit Avenue
- At the Samuel Gompers Homes in the 400 block of North 6th Street
- Jones Park in the 2500 block of Argonne Drive
Authorities have described the shootings as a targeted attack against members of the same family.
Officials identified the five victims killed in the shootings as:
- Patricia A. May, 74
- Cherie L. May, 49
- Devin D. May, 24
- Shania W. Thompson, 25
- Quentin L. Thompson, 21
Two additional family members survived the attacks but suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized.
Investigators said two teenage suspects, ages 15 and 16, were located and arrested at Frank Holten State Park following an intensive law enforcement search.
Authorities said officers used a PIT maneuver to stop a vehicle allegedly driven by one of the suspects before both teenagers were taken into custody without further incident.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shootings but previously stated the violence appears to have specifically targeted members of the family. Investigators also emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Illinois State Police continue to lead the investigation in coordination with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and other assisting agencies.
Officials have indicated additional evidence is still being reviewed, and further charges or court proceedings may follow as the case moves through the criminal justice system.
All criminal charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.