CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot and a 17-year-old was critically injured after a reported shooting on Thanksgiving day in Cahokia Heights, Illinois.
According to Cahokia Heights police, on Thursday, officers responded to the 300 block of Adele Avenue about a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old fatally shot and the driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old, shot multiple times.
Just before 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the St. Clair County coroner pronounced the 16-year-old dead at the scene. He was identified as Markel Staples.
The 17-year-old was reportedly conscious and barely breathing. He was taken to an area hospital, police said.
The investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update this story as soon as 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.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thinking of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day through several hotlines. Use the numbers below or click the links for more information.