A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in connection with a targeted shooting spree in East St. Louis, Illinois, that left five members of his 15-year-old girlfriend’s family dead and two others wounded. Prosecutors are also seeking to try the girl as an adult in what authorities describe as a planned attack.

Ja’ymier Davis faces 12 felony charges, including five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated vehicular hijacking, and dismemberment of a human body. Investigators allege that after shooting 74-year-old Patricia A. May, Davis cut off her thumb, which was later found in his vehicle and reportedly used to access her phone and steal money.

The victims were identified as Quentin L. Thompson, 21; Devin D. May, 24; Shania W. Thompson, 25; Cherie L. May, 49; and Patricia A. May, 74. Two surviving relatives, Tiffany Thompson and Santosha Scott, were hospitalized.

According to family members and prosecutors, the shootings occurred at multiple locations. Some accounts suggest the motive stemmed from the teens’ desire to be together, with family opposition allegedly leading to a “hit list” on social media. The gun used was reportedly stolen from the girl’s mother. Authorities have not officially confirmed the motive, and the investigation continues.

Davis appeared in court and remains in custody. The case has shocked the community, with many mourning the loss of multiple generations of one family in a single night of violence.

This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and access to firearms in the region.

Sources: FOX2