Major Case Squad investigates new evidence in Cahokia drive-by killing of teen
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis reconvened Saturday to examine new evidence and video surveillance footage in an effort to make an arrest in the killing of a Cahokia teenager in an apparent drive-by shooting on Tuesday.
Dexter L. Byrd, 19, was found by police officers late Tuesday in the front yard of 339 Range Lane in Cahokia with an apparent gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Police have said Byrd was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
“The Major Case Squad is continuing to follow up on leads today,” the group said in a news release issued Saturday on Twitter.
Police did not release any other information about what investigators are examining.
Anyone with information about Byrd’s death is asked to call the Major Case Squad at 618-332-4248 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477 (TIPS).
A candlelight vigil for Byrd had been scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday next to the home where he was shot but it was canceled out of respect for the family’s privacy, according to Connie Dailey, one of Byrds’ youth league basketball coaches.
Dailey said funeral arrangements are pending and that a vigil for Byrd will be scheduled at a later date.
This was the second time the Major Case Squad has been called to investigate a homicide of a 19-year-old in Cahokia in the past six weeks.
Markell A. Deberry, 19, was fatally shot on Dec. 23 on Delores Street in Cahokia and no charges have been announced in connection with his death. Deberry was from Edwardsville but was staying with relatives on Delores Street, police said.
This story was originally published February 1, 2020 at 1:47 PM.
