GRANITE CITY, Ill. — Two men are facing charges in connection to a fatal shooting in Granite City earlier this month.
Mantia Johnson Jr., 34, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon.
Johnson was arrested on Aug. 19 in Knoxville, Tennessee, by U.S. Marshals and is awaiting extradition to Madison County, according to a news release on Aug. 27.
New charges against Clyde Leonard, 37, of Houston, Texas, were announced in a news release Tuesday. Leonard is facing two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and one count of obstructing justice.
“Madison County residents demand safe streets and communities,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said in the Aug. 27 release. “These kinds of heinous crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our office is especially appreciative of the US Marshal’s office’s coordination and extraordinary efforts to bring this defendant back to Madison County to face justice for Ahmaad Nunley’s death.”
At around 2 a.m. on Aug. 2, the Granite City Police Department was called to Illinois Route 3 for a report of gunshots. When officers arrived, they found two people who had been shot multiple times. The victims were taken to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
After the shooting, the Major Case Squad was activated to help with the investigation. About 15 investigators from the Major Case Squad were working the investigation, according to a news release.
After the Major Case Squad was activated, one of the victims died from his injuries. He was identified as 30-year-old Ahmaad Nunley. Officials did not give an update on the second victim's condition.
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.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to “stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.” One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
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.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/