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.
Crime
Vicksburg Murder-Suicide Suspect Cedric Garrett Who Killed His Wife Val-Tricia Today, Also Killed His Brother Derrick Maxey in 2002
VICKSBURG, Miss. — Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after 53-year-old Val-Tricia Garrett, widely known in the community as “Ms. Val,” and her 40-year-old husband, Cedric Garrett, were found dead inside a vehicle behind the Vicksburg Convalescent Home on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The deaths have drawn renewed attention to a separate fatal incident involving Cedric Garrett more than two decades earlier in the same city.
According to law enforcement reports, the incident began unfolding around 7 a.m. Friday when Cedric Garrett, who used the name “Gee Gskii” on Facebook, began a live broadcast on the platform. During the video, he admitted to killing his wife and spoke at length about their 16-year relationship, alternating between expressions of love and accusations.
Throughout the recording, Garrett repeatedly apologized, stated that he had made serious mistakes, and claimed he had previously sought help without receiving support. He indicated that he intended to take his own life and stated he was driving to the nursing home where his mother worked. At one point during the broadcast, the camera panned toward the front passenger seat, showing an individual lying motionless.
Vicksburg police were alerted to the video as it circulated online and responded to the area around 9 a.m. Officers located Garrett armed inside a vehicle parked behind the Vicksburg Convalescent Home, near the intersection of Shannon and Cherry streets.
Police attempted to establish communication and bring the standoff to a peaceful resolution. At approximately 9:42 a.m., gunfire was reported from the vehicle. Vicksburg Police Chief Larry Burns confirmed that Garrett died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When officers approached the car, they discovered Val-Tricia Garrett deceased in the front passenger seat.
Court and historical news records indicate that Friday’s shooting is the second fatal act of family violence involving Cedric Garrett in Vicksburg.
On September 13, 2002, Garrett—then 16 years old—fatally stabbed his 20-year-old brother, Derrick Dewayne Maxey, at their shared residence at 1425 Oakland Street. According to contemporary reporting by The Vicksburg Post, the stabbing occurred during a domestic argument in which Garrett picked up a knife and struck Maxey once in the left side.
Emergency medical personnel transported Maxey by ambulance to River Region Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His body was subsequently sent to Pearl, Mississippi, for an autopsy.
The Vicksburg Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Friday’s apparent murder-suicide. Further details regarding the timeline of Val-Tricia Garrett’s death have not yet been released by officials.
News of Val-Tricia Garrett’s death has prompted widespread grief across Vicksburg, with friends, neighbors, and community members sharing tributes remembering her warmth and presence as “Ms. Val.”
Domestic Violence and Crisis Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or a mental health crisis, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Emergency Services: Call 911