EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — One man was killed and four other people were injured in a Wednesday evening shooting in East St. Louis.
Illinois State Police said the shooting happened at around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of 38th Street and Audubon Avenue.
One person died and four others were taken to area hospitals with injuries. A spokesperson with ISP said all of the victims were adults.
It was unclear what led up to the shooting.
On Thursday, St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the man killed as 20-year-old Jermaine M. Bonner Jr. He died about two hours after the shooting occurred.
When Jacquelyn Carothers rushed to her family's home Wednesday night, flashing lights and crime scene tape took over the street.
"My sister noticed on the surveillance camera all the commotion that was going on, and she called me at work, and I came right over to see what was going on myself. It was a madhouse, there were police cars everywhere," she said.
At least 60 evidence markers covered the intersection of where the shooting took place.
The violence happened just steps away from Carothers' family's front door, when her dad was in his bedroom.
"He said that while he was lying in bed, which his bedroom is on that side of the house, he thought he just heard firecrackers. He thought they were just firecrackers and he just kind of ignored it, thinking that it was kids out here playing with fireworks, and then after about 14, 15 firecrackers going off, he began to hear a louder bang, bang, bang and that's when he realized, 'Oh, these are gunshots.' Not knowing it was that close," she said.
The tragedy was not only close to neighbors' homes but also two elementary schools. The incident happened after school ended, so no one was impacted.
Carothers said the shooting breaks her heart, especially because the victim who died was so young.
"These younger kids, they're not getting the picture. I don't want to say it's a waste of life, but someone has to speak life into them in order for them to realize this is not living, you're surviving," she said.
Larita Rice-Barnes is someone trying to do just that. As Executive Director of Metro East Organizing Coalition, she's committed to ending gun violence.
"It's heartbreaking. Being born and raised in East Saint Louis. I know firsthand, number one, the systemic oppressions that we face, and also the lack of resources. One of the things with gun violence in urban communities, statistics show resources, whether it is financial resources, recreation resources, mental health resources that families can take advantage of can help," she said.
Barnes was in New Jersey at a community violence intervention peer exchange retreat when 5 On Your Side interviewed her.
"I have gained a sense of renewed hope that despite what's happened back home, that we can come back and be on the ground and interact with those families," she said.
While Barnes and her team are working daily, she hopes one day the flashing lights and crime scene tape won't continue to take over her city's streets.
"I think there are so many amazing things that we can encounter, but we definitely have to tap into the resources and began to streamline things to get what's needed on the ground," she said.
Many people have posted to social media about Jermaine Bonner Jr., sharing pictures and videos of the 20-year-old and how much he will be missed.
The East St. Louis Police Department requested ISP's assistance with the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 314-725-TIPS (8477). Witnesses can remain anonymous.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.