Illinois State Police have arrested two teenagers following a targeted mass shooting that claimed the lives of five family members and injured two others across multiple locations in East St. Louis on Sunday, July 13, 2026.

Multiple Crime Scenes Across City

The shooting spanned three separate locations throughout East St. Louis, including the intersection of 39th and Summit, the Gompers public housing project, and Jones Park. Law enforcement officials described the incident as a targeted attack against members of the same family. Illinois State Police coordinated the investigation across all three crime scenes, working to piece together the sequence of events that left seven victims shot within a short timeframe.

Two survivors were transported to a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where they received treatment for serious injuries. Their current condition has not been disclosed by authorities. The coordination required across multiple shooting locations indicates a calculated assault rather than a random act of violence.

Victims Identified by Authorities

State police released the names of the five deceased victims: Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25. All victims were residents of East St. Louis. The age range spanning three generations suggests the attack targeted an extended family gathering or multiple family households. Authorities have not disclosed how the two injured survivors are related to the deceased victims.

Teenage Suspects in Custody

Two suspects, ages 15 and 16, are in custody following the shootings. State police confirmed that at least one suspect had a family connection to at least one victim, though specific details about that relationship remain undisclosed. No charges had been filed at the time of the Sunday evening press conference, as investigators continued gathering evidence. The involvement of juvenile suspects in such a serious crime raises questions about motive and whether the teenagers acted alone or had assistance from adults.

Investigation Continues

Illinois State Police held a press conference Sunday evening to update the public on their ongoing investigation. The department has not released information about possible motives or whether additional suspects are being sought. The targeted nature of the attack suggests a personal dispute rather than random gang violence. Investigators are working to establish a timeline of events and determine what led to the shooting spree across multiple locations. The case represents one of the most serious mass casualty incidents in East St. Louis in recent years, impacting a single family devastatingly.