5 family members killed in shooting in southern Illinois

Five family members were killed in a shooting in southern Illinois, according to a report by Mehr News citing The New York Times. The incident occurred at three locations in East St. Louis. The suspects, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on the morning of July 12 after dispatchers received a call related to investigating human remains. As of the evening of July 12, they had not been formally charged, and police investigators declined to discuss a possible motive.

The authorities believe at least one of the suspects is related to the slain family members. The victims were identified as Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25. Officials did not specify when the victims were killed or how they were related to one another or to the suspects.

Brendan Kelly, director of the Illinois State Police, condemned the violence at a news conference, stating, "These alleged aspects of horrific violence, taking this number of lives here in this community – it’s terrible, it’s evil, but it will not keep this city down." East St. Louis has long struggled with violent crime, but Kelly noted that law enforcement officers have been working for years to reduce the city's crime rates.

According to the report by Mehr News, the investigation is ongoing.