In a shocking act of targeted violence that has devastated a family and shaken the East St. Louis community, authorities say a 15-year-old girl and her 16-year-old boyfriend carried out a series of shootings that left five of her own relatives dead and two others seriously injured.

The victims include the girl’s grandmother, mother (who survived), aunt, siblings, and cousins. The killings occurred at multiple locations over a short period, with authorities describing the attacks as premeditated and “targeted.”

Victims Identified:

• Patricia A. May, 74 (grandmother)
• Cherie L. May, 49 (aunt)
• Shania W. Thompson, 25 (sibling)
• Devin D. May, 24 (cousin)
• Quentin L. Thompson, 21 (sibling)

Two other family members, Tiffany Thompson (the suspect’s mother) and Santosha Scott (cousin), were shot at Jones Park and survived their injuries.

The Suspects and Alleged Plot:

• Ja’ymeir M. Davis, 16, charged as an adult with five counts of first-degree murder, dismembering a human body (accused of cutting off Patricia May’s thumb), two counts of attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated vehicular hijacking, and unlawful use of a stolen firearm. He allegedly used a 9mm pistol stolen from the girl’s mother.
• The 15-year-old girl (Davis’s girlfriend and a relative of the victims) faces similar charges, with prosecutors seeking to try her as an adult.

Family members reported prior knowledge of tension, including Instagram messages and a “hit list” discussed by the couple. The family had reported the stolen gun and even brought the teens home earlier, unaware of the escalating danger. The final confrontation reportedly unfolded at Jones Park, where additional shootings occurred.

The girl’s father, Marcus May, expressed profound grief and anger: “She chose to do this. I can’t show her no sympathy.” He lost multiple family members in the attacks.

The suspects were arrested on July 12, 2026, after a police pursuit involving a PIT maneuver. The investigation by Illinois State Police and local authorities remains active. Bond was denied for Davis, and community vigils have been held in honor of the victims.

This tragedy highlights deep familial conflicts, the dangers of unchecked teenage relationships amid domestic tensions, and the devastating cycle of gun violence in the region. Funerals and support efforts for the surviving family are ongoing.

Sources:

• Belleville News