COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — A 16-year-old boy was charged Thursday in connection with the shooting death of a 19-year-old in Collinsville, Illinois.
Isiah T. Jenkins was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Vaeden Hawkes on Monday in Collinsville. The boy was also one count of each aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a stolen firearm.
Jenkins' bond was set at $5 million.
Police received a report of shots fired and multiple people running from the scene at about 7 p.m. Monday in the 200 block of North Seminary Street.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a person with gunshot wounds lying on the sidewalk. The victim, Vaeden Hawkes, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County Coroner's Office.
Witnesses told police they saw four people running from the area. After canvassing, officers located three people matching the descriptions that witnesses gave and arrested them after a brief chase. Police said they believe a fourth suspect may still be at large as of late Monday night.
A mom who has a young child who goes to school in the area noted a heavy police presence and helicopter and that the search lasted hours.
"One hundred percent. You have kids in this area for anyone, your heart goes out in wondering what can lead someone to that, what's the cause, what's the motivation, what is this related to," she said.
Beth Baker who works at Faith in Action, a social service agency located steps away from where the incident happened, was also concerned.
She said while shootings are rare in her hometown, it is something happening all over.
"There's a social, mental, emotional problem going on that we're not reaching our people and teaching them other avenues of interaction," Baker said.
Anyone who lives in the area near North Seminary Street and has security cameras that may have captured footage of the suspects should contact Collinsville Investigations Commander Lt. Eric Owen at 618-344-2131 extension 5136. Anyone who witnessed the incident can also call that number.
This is a breaking news story. 5 On Your Side will update it 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.