Patricia A. May, Cherie L. May, Devin D. May, Shania W. Thompson, and Quentin L. Thompson — The East St. Louis, Illinois, community is mourning after five members of the same family were killed in a series of shootings that authorities have described as a targeted attack. The victims were identified as Patricia A. May, 74; Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Shania W. Thompson, 25; and Quentin L. Thompson, 21.
The deadly violence unfolded on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when Illinois State Police responded to multiple shooting locations across East St. Louis. Investigators said the incidents occurred near 39th Street and Summit Avenue, at the Samuel Gompers Homes in the 400 block of North 6th Street, and at Jones Park in the 2500 block of Argonne Drive.
Authorities said the victims were members of the same family and that the shootings appeared to have specifically targeted them. Two additional family members survived the attack but suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized as the investigation continued.
The tragedy has left relatives and community members grieving the sudden loss of five loved ones. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office expressed condolences to the victims’ families, stating that officials’ thoughts remain with those affected as they navigate the devastating loss.
In connection with the shootings, authorities arrested two teenage suspects, identified as 16-year-old Ja’ymeir Davis and 15-year-old Wynitta Thompson. Davis has been charged as an adult with multiple offenses, including five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and other felony charges. Thompson is facing charges through juvenile court, with prosecutors seeking to transfer the case to adult court.
Law enforcement officials said the suspects were located at Frank Holten State Park following an extensive search. Investigators reported that officers used a vehicle intervention maneuver before taking both teenagers into custody without further incident. Officials have not released a possible motive for the shootings.
The Illinois State Police continue to lead the investigation alongside the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and other assisting agencies. Authorities have stated that additional evidence is still being reviewed and that further legal proceedings may follow as the case moves through the court system.
As the East St. Louis community continues to grieve, the memory of Patricia A. May, Cherie L. May, Devin D. May, Shania W. Thompson, and Quentin L. Thompson remains at the center of a family’s heartbreak. Their loved ones and neighbors are left to mourn a profound loss while seeking comfort and healing in the days ahead.