Two teenagers in Illinois have been charged in connection with a series of fatal shootings that left five members of the same family dead and two others wounded in East St. Louis. Authorities allege the suspects carried out attacks at multiple locations, leading to one of the area’s most devastating family tragedies in recent memory.
The suspects are 16-year-old Ja’Ymier Davis, who has been charged as an adult, and a 15-year-old girl, who is also expected to face adult charges, according to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Five Relatives Killed, Two Others Survive
According to the Illinois State Police, officers responded to multiple crime scenes across East St. Louis on Sunday, where they discovered seven shooting victims.
Five victims were pronounced dead:
- Cherie May, 49
- Shania Thompson, 25
- Devin May, 24
- Quentin Thompson, 21
- Patricia May, 74
Two additional family members were shot during the attacks but survived their injuries and are expected to recover.
Authorities confirmed that all seven victims were relatives of the 15-year-old female suspect.
Victims Found at Three Separate Crime Scenes
Investigators said the violence unfolded across three different locations in East St. Louis.
The first victim, Cherie May, was found dead at the Samuel Gompers Homes apartment complex. She was identified as the teenage girl’s aunt.
Police later discovered the bodies of Patricia May, Shania Thompson, Devin May, and Quentin Thompson at other locations connected to the investigation.
Officials have not publicly detailed the exact timeline of each killing but confirmed that the incidents are believed to be linked.
Family Member Describes Alleged Motive
Lamarion Smiley, whose wife Santosha Scott survived the shootings, told local media that the teenage suspects were involved in a romantic relationship that many family members opposed.
According to Smiley, the couple believed relatives were standing in the way of their relationship.
“It’s all because y’all wanted to be together, so they wanted to eliminate everybody that had a problem with the situation,” Smiley said.
He explained that the teenage girl had reportedly run away with Davis several times in the past, and family members repeatedly brought her back home.
Gun Allegedly Taken From Mother’s Lockbox
Smiley alleged that the firearm used in the shootings belonged to the girl’s mother.
According to his account, the gun had been stored inside a locked box, but the teenager allegedly took her mother’s keys and removed the firearm without permission.
KSDK reported that by the time relatives located the couple at a bus stop and brought them back, investigators believe three family members had already been killed.
Final Shooting Occurred at Jones Park
The investigation indicates the final attack happened at Jones Park in East St. Louis.
Authorities allege Davis and the teenage girl opened fire on several family members gathered there.
Among those shot were:
- Santosha Scott, who survived
- Lamarion Smiley, who also survived
- Tiffany Thompson, the girl’s mother, was hospitalized with injuries
- Quentin Thompson, the girl’s brother, who died
- Shania Thompson, the girl’s sister, who also died
Police have not released additional information regarding Tiffany Thompson’s current medical condition.
Alleged Instagram “List”
Smiley also claimed the suspects had created a “list” on Instagram before the attacks.
According to him, family members were aware of concerning online posts but did not know when violence might occur.
“So, we were aware, we just didn’t know when,” Smiley told reporters.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the alleged social media evidence or whether it will be used in court.
Court Documents Reveal Additional Allegations
Court records obtained by local media indicate that investigators believe Cherie May may have been killed several days before her body was discovered on Sunday.
Prosecutors also alleged that Patricia May, the 74-year-old family matriarch and grandmother of the female suspect, was killed by Davis.
According to court filings, Davis allegedly cut off Patricia May’s thumb after her death. Prosecutors have not publicly explained the alleged motive behind that act.
Father Says He Has No Sympathy
Marcus May, the father of the 15-year-old suspect and son of Patricia May, spoke publicly after the arrests.
Referring to his daughter, he said:
“I can’t show her no sympathy.”
His comments reflected the deep shock and grief experienced by surviving family members following the killings.
Charges Against Ja’Ymier Davis
Authorities have charged Ja’Ymier Davis as an adult.
He faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Five counts of first-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Two counts of aggravated battery
- One count of aggravated vehicular hijacking
- One count of dismembering a human body
- One count of unlawful use of a stolen firearm
Davis appeared in court on Wednesday and was ordered held without bond. Officials have not yet announced his next court date.
Female Suspect Remains in Juvenile Custody
The 15-year-old girl has not been publicly identified because of her age.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that prosecutors intend to seek adult charges against her due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Until those proceedings move forward, she remains in juvenile custody.
Investigation Continues
Illinois State Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the killings, including the timeline of the attacks, the alleged planning involved, and the events leading up to the shootings.
The case has left an entire family devastated, with five relatives dead, two survivors recovering from gunshot wounds, and two teenagers now facing some of the most serious criminal charges available under Illinois law.
