Teen charged in Cahokia Heights shooting death was arrested following ‘vehicle pursuit’
A 17-year-old charged in the March 23 shooting death of Daniel L. Nunn-Watson was arrested Tuesday “following a vehicle pursuit that ended in East St. Louis, IL,” the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced Friday.
The press release did not explain any of the other details about the pursuit, beyond that Jahrie Samudio was taken into custody afterward. The BND reported Thursday that Samudio is charged with first-degree murder and will be prosecuted as an adult.
Charging documents listed Samudio as living at Converse Avenue in East St. Louis. The Major Case Squad release states he did not have a home.
Samudio is being held in the St. Clair County Juvenile Detention Center, according the Major Case Squad release.
Nunn-Watson was shot to death in the area of Melvin Drive and Lazarcheff Drive, according to a release from the Major Case Squad. The Major Case Squad was activated at the request of Cahokia Heights Police.
He had been reported missing to the Washington Park Police Department, the release states.
“Nunn was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the release states.
Angelina Nunn-Watson and the youth’s father, Lee Watson II, were distributing fliers asking for help in locating Daniel when they learned that he had been found shot to death.
They shared their grief and their love for their son recently in interviews with the BND.
“He put his trust in everybody,” his mother said. “ He always saw good in everybody. He never saw bad in anyone. That was one of his weaknesses.”
Daniel’s family reacts to the arrest
Daniel’s family does not recognize the name of the person who was charged. Daniel’s uncle, Chris Hodges, said Friday. The family is shocked at the suspect’s age.
“We want the young man held accountable for his actions. He has destroyed our family and taken someone from us who would not harm a fly,” Hodges told a BND reporter with fervor in his voice.
He said the family believes the slaying may have been a hate crime against a ``special needs person.”
“All Daniel wanted to do was love, be loved, and play around,” Hodges said. “ He was a kind and gentle person who would help anybody. If anyone asked him to do something he was right there willing to help.”
Daniel’s death has left a huge hole in the family. They want to know why Daniel was slain. “It’s still a puzzle. Why? We want to be able to look at the person or people involved and let them know Daniel did not deserve this.’’
The release from the Major Case Squad says 14 investigators worked on the case.
The Major Case Squad asks that anyone with information about this case call Sgt. Jamal Jackson at the Cahokia Heights Police Department at 618-337-4277 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
This story was originally published March 29, 2024 at 1:59 PM.