ALTON – On 05/02/23 at approximately 12:50 p.m., Alton Police Department Officers responded to a report of a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound to the chest in the 2600 block of Maxey Street, Alton, Illinois.
The victim, a 15-year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by members of the Alton Fire Department. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim ultimately died of his injuries.
The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division immediately began investigating the case. Several witnesses remained on the scene and formal statements were obtained from those individuals. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and evidence relating to the shooting
was recovered. Throughout the investigation, information led to the identification of the shooter, a juvenile male who was taken into custody.
An adult male, identified as Marquan Knight, fled the scene prior to police arrival, and was sought as an additional person of interest in the investigation. Knight was contacted and taken into custody in the 2000 block of Central Avenue later that same day by detectives.
On the evening of 05/01/2023 at approximately 8:41 p.m., Alton Police Department Officers responded to the area of Main Street and Maxey Street, for a report of several gun shots being fired. Officers recovered evidence in the area of a firearm being discharged but none of the involved parties were located. Statements obtained during the May 2nd death investigation assisted in the investigation of this incident as the two were found to be related.
Today, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of these cases and charged the following:
Unnamed Juvenile Male – Count I: Involuntary Manslaughter, Count II: Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and Count III: Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. The juvenile is being held at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center.
MARQUAN A. KNIGHT – Count I: Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Count II: Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. The Honorable Judge Jumper signed an arrest warrant and set bond at $100,000.
The Alton Police Department is continuing this investigation in conjunction with members of the Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police.Â
Chief Ford – “This unfortunate but quick investigation led to the seizure of two firearms being taken off of our streets, and out of the hands of individuals who are not of legal age to possess them. I make a plea to the public that if you are aware of teenagers who are in possession of firearms, to contact the police or to safely turn over these firearms to trusted authorities, so that these tragic deaths of our children do not continue to happen. I again offer my sincere condolences to the family of the victim.”
Alton Mayor David Goins – “This is such a tragic loss for our community. Losing anybody to gun violence is tragic, but it is especially devastating when it happens to someone so young. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. I also want to extend my thanks to the Alton Police Department, especially those who worked diligently on this case, in identifying and apprehending the suspect and bringing quick resolve to this senseless
tragedy.”
These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
