Two killed, five injured in Mount Vernon shooting incident
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FATAL SHOOTING — The Mount Vernon Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting incident early Sunday. Seven people were shot, two died and five were taken to area hospitals with injuries.
MOUNT VERNON — Two people were killed and five were injured early Sunday during a chaotic and tragic shooting incident in the 600 block of South 15th Street.
The deceased male victims have been identified as 20-year-old Zomarrius Williams of Mount Vernon and 26-year-old Demonta Woodward of Mounds.
Jerria J. Smith
Also, a woman has been taken into custody in connection with this case. Jerria J. Smith, 22, of Mount Vernon, was arrested and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, states a Mount Vernon Police Department news release.
“We are still in the early stages of this investigation and will continue to develop leads and evidence,” the release states. “More arrests and charges are anticipated as the investigation continues into this senseless gun violence that has tragically caused loss of life and injuries to others.”
In a public statement released Sunday, Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis decried the senseless violence of these shootings and said that all available resources are being brought to bear to bring the shooter or shooters to justice.
“First and foremost, the (City) Council and I want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to all (of) the families connected in any way to this tragic event and to the community at large,” Lewis said. “We know that there is not one thing we can say to ease the pain, but rest assured that this kind of violence will not be tolerated in our community. Violence of any kind is never the answer, and we will not tolerate this kind of activity.”
The shootings were initially reported at around 12:49 a.m. on Sunday, July 27. At that time, Mount Vernon Police Department officers, Litton Ambulance, United Medical Response and the Mount Vernon Fire Department responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 600 block of South 15th Street.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. All victims were transported to local hospitals, either by ambulance or private means, states an MVPD news release.
“Tragically, two individuals have been confirmed deceased. Five additional victims are currently receiving treatment for gunshot-related injuries,” said MVPD Assistant Police Chief Travis Chapman in the release. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation. … We would urge anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Mount Vernon Police Department immediately.”
Chapman also said that the MVPD expresses its gratitude to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police for their assistance and support in this investigation.
“Further updates will be provided as they become available,” Chapman said in the release. “Our condolences go out to the victims and their families.”
According to Lewis’ statement, the shooting allegedly occurred during a “non-sanctioned event” that was attended by roughly 100 to 150 people. Prior to becoming mayor, Lewis had a 25-year career with the Illinois State Police.
“This is personal to me since I spent a career locking up these idiots, and some might even say animals, that create chaos in our communities and refuse to live by the laws of society, especially ‘Love thy neighbor’ or ‘Thou shalt not kill,’” Lewis said. “These types of people will continue to wreak havoc and chaos in our communities until they are removed from the ‘streets.’ These types of individuals devastate our community and families by indiscriminately removing from us our loved ones, our sons, our daughters, our mothers, our fathers.”
And even though the non-sanctioned event where the shooting occurred was attended by over 100 people, investigators are so far not getting any cooperation from attendees on what transpired, which is very disheartening, Lewis said.
“We are in contact with our state and federal partners, but none of us can truly be successful without the help of our community,” Lewis said, later adding, “We have no room in our community for criminals or, for that matter, any criminal activity. Only you can keep our community a safe place to live, so I am asking anyone with information to please contact the Mount Vernon Police Department Detective Division or Crimestoppers at (618) 242-8477 (TIPS).”
Illinois State Sen. Terri Bryant also released a statement in the wake of Sunday’s shootings, saying that she was saddened to learn of these tragic events.
“My prayers are with the victims, their families and the entire community as we begin to process this senseless loss of life,” Bryant said. “I want to thank the Mount Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and all first responders and medical personnel who acted swiftly and professionally in a very difficult situation. Their service to our community does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. I am continuing to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with local officials as the investigation moves forward. I encourage anyone with information to assist law enforcement in their efforts to bring clarity and accountability to what occurred.”
In addition to contacting MVPD at (618) 242-2132 or Crimestoppers, the public can also submit tips through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s App.
Also, the MVPD put out a request Sunday for video of the shooting. If anyone has any cell phone video, pictures, surveillance camera video, Ring doorbell footage, or anything related to the shooting near South 15th Street and Lamar Avenue, they are asked to upload and share it to a link on the MVPD Facebook page.
The Sentinel will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
