Identities of victims of double homicide at East St. Louis housing complex are released
Police are investigating the shooting deaths of two men at an East St. Louis housing project late Wednesday.
Illinois State Police and East St. Louis Police officers responded to the John DeShields public housing complex in the 1200 block of McCasland Avenue at approximately 11:41 p.m., after receiving a call reporting the shooting.
Inside a residence, police located two male victims who were declared dead from gunshot wounds, according to an Illinois State Police news release.
The victims were identified by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. as as Deron E. Baker, 57, and Kaven R. Gathing, 59. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene at 12:45 a.m., Dye said.
Both men were residents of the apartment complex and died from the bullet wounds they sustained, he added.
Police have not released any information pertaining to a possible motive .
Illinois State Police said the investigation is in its preliminary stages and is an open investigation.
Police are asking witnesses or anyone who has any knowledge of the shooting to contact Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Daniel Menke at 618 900-4370 or send an email to ISPCrimeTips@Illinois.gov. Witnesses can remain anonymous
This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 9:41 AM.
