In wake of murders, East St. Louis leaders offer support, tout reduced crime

City and state officials in East St. Louis urged community support and touted falling crime rates at a press conference Wednesday after a series of targeted shootings left five people dead.

The city manager and first responders met with state police, state Sen. Christopher Belt and the 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond Initiative — a program in East St. Louis schools aimed at reducing violent crime — to offer condolences and highlight social services at a Wednesday press conference at City Hall.

“Today is a day of compassion, not judging,” City Manager Robert Betts said. “The city stands with you and is committed to helping connect those affected with counseling services, victim services and other valuable resources. It is so important that we support one another, (that) we check on our neighbors and offer kindness and compassion.”

Betts said East St. Louis Mayor Charles Powell III was unable to attend because of a prior scheduling conflict.

“To the young people of our city, I want you to know this: Your life matters. Your future matters. We believe in you, and we remain committed to building a city where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed,” Powell said in a Wednesday statement.

Five people died and two were injured days apart in what Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly called a “targeted mass shooting.”

Three people were fatally shot at the Samuel Gompers Homes public housing complex, one at a residence in the 800 block of 39th Street, and one at Jones Park. Two additional people were shot at Jones Park and were hospitalized with “serious injuries,” Kelly said.

Betts confirmed Wednesday that one of the victims remains hospitalized, recovering from injuries related to the shootings.

Prosecutors filed murder charges Tuesday against a 15-year-old related to the deceased and her 16-year-old boyfriend, Ja’ymeir M. Davis.

Davis is being tried as an adult and faces 12 charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. The 15-year-old was charged in juvenile court, but prosecutors said they will ask the court to charge her as an adult, too.

Master Sgt. Calvin Dye Jr. of the Illinois State Police emphasized that the shootings were uncommon for East St. Louis, which has recently seen falling crime rates compared with previous years.

Illinois State Police data released in March shows East St. Louis recorded 15 homicides last year, down from 36 in 2019. That’s a 45-year low, according to Kelly.

Dye said Wednesday the city also saw just under 50 nonfatal shootings last year, compared to “less than 209” in 2019.

“What happened Sunday was very uncommon for the city of East St. Louis,” Dye said.

Anita Bazile is the high-risk community coordinator for the state police, where she acts as a liaison between the department and families affected by violent crimes. She said state police are providing financial assistance for funeral costs as well as emotional and social services for family members of those killed.

“The growing relationship that we have with not-for-profits — I tell you, it’s not like any other city,” Bazile said. “I’m just trying to make sure that it’s streamlined to get to the family as soon as possible.”

State Sen. Belt urged residents to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health support while the city heals.

“I am working with the state with the (Crime) Victims Compensation Act (and) the Department of Human Services to see what resources we can bring back here,” Belt said. “To the families, know that we’re there. We’re holding you up in prayer.”

Ronaldo Helm, with the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis, attended the press conference to learn more about community resources he can share with his students. Helm said the center held a town hall Monday night for those kids, many of whom knew the suspects and affected families.

“All of these kids knew exactly what happened, even the little 5-year-olds,” Helm said.

Helm said he hopes community programs like his will give East St. Louis youth a place to process the shootings in the coming months.