Investigators in Cahokia are working to develop leads after a father was killed Saturday evening after finishing Christmas shopping for his kids.
According to the Major Case Squad, officers with the Cahokia Police Department were called to West Adams Street around 8:30 for shots fired.
When officers arrived, they found Akeem Haynes, 33, lying near his parked car. Haynes was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Haynes’ girlfriend Trikinya Rogers said she had just talked to Haynes minutes before he was shot. He told her he was on his way home.
“He was shopping out at the outlets, Christmas shopping for the kids,” Rogers said.
Rogers said she heard the gunshots and went outside. She found Haynes near their driveway. Neighbors, who also heard the shooting, called for help.
“They gunned him down right in front of his home,” Rogers said. “I want a lot of answers. Why. They didn't have to do that. They did not.”
Rogers said her boyfriend was not robbed. The presents were still on top of the car, and he had cash in his wallet.
The Major Case Squad had 14 officers working the case, but has turned it over to the Cahokia Police Department.
“Right now, we need all the help we can get,” said Capt. Bruce Fleshren, with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Dept. “We don't have a suspect. We don't have a person of interest we're following up with. These are the cases that we get. They’re a ‘who done it’ at the start, and hopefully we can get there and get it solved.”
Rogers and her neighbors said they did not hear or see a car in the area, so they think the shooter may have run away. She is hoping someone knows something.
“I hope they come forward,” Rogers said. If anyone knows anything, they need to talk.”
Rogers said Haynes was the father of four children, ranging in age from two to nine years old. She said she has not found the words to tell them their father is gone.
“I don't know how to tell them. I don't. I really don't,” Rogers said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Cahokia Police Department at (618) 337-9505.
