One of two teens shot in metro-east has died, ‘some individuals’ in custody, police say
A 15-year-old boy who was shot in Cahokia Heights Saturday has died, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced Tuesday.
Charles E. Jones of Cahokia Heights was struck with gunfire n the 100 block of Lazarcheff Drive between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, officials had said. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and later died.
A second victim, also 15, was treated and released.
Major Case Squad Public Affairs Officer, Sgt. Andrew Pierson said “some individuals” have been taken into custody. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon.
Pierson did not say whether investigators have a motive for the shooting.
“Detectives have followed up on over 60 leads,” Pierson said. “Persons of interest have been developed, and some individuals are currently in custody.”
Pierson said findings from the police investigation will be sent to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office for review.
Investigators are still asking that anyone who may have information about the shooting to call the Major Case Squad command post at the Cahokia Heights Police Department. Tips can be called in anonymously to 618 332-4277 or to Crime stoppers at 1-866 371-TIPS (8477).
Saturday’s shooting is the latest in a rash of violent crimes involving metro-east teenagers.
On Feb. 3, Di’Rico V. Washington, 16, of Belleville, died after being shot on 81st Street. Belleville Police arrested three suspects in connection with the shooting.
On the same day, a Missouri teenager, Kingston Todd, 16, was charged in St. Clair County with murder in the shooting death of Cody Rhodes, 37, in Dupo. Two others also were arrested in connection with the crime.
Parker Bujnak, 17, of Belleville, was shot and killed on 59th and State Streets in East St. Louis of Feb. 8. Celvin Rogers, 19, of East St. Louis now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder.
In January, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney charged Jalyn A. Givins, 19, with first-degree murder of the 2024 death of Hayden Chisholm, 16, months after he was shot at a Belleville skate park.
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM.
