MT. VERNON, Ill. (WJPF) – A 16-year-old has been shot to death in Mt. Vernon. Police say the person who they suspect pulled the trigger was another 16-year-old.
Mt. Vernon Police say they were sent to a home in the 1800 block of Lamar Avenue around 4:10 p.m. Saturday after receiving a call to 9-1-1. The dispatcher could hear screaming, but wasn’t able to make contact with the person on the other end of the line.
Arriving at the scene, Mt. Vernon Police say officers found a 16-year-old female dying from a gunshot wound and a 16-year-old male holding a handgun. The female was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The male was taken into custody at the scene on preliminary charges of involuntary manslaughter, armed violence/discharge a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by person under 18. Police say charges may be amended as the investigation progresses.
Mt. Vernon Police add this was not the first time the 16-year-old alleged gunman had been in trouble with the law. They say in the past he had been arrested for armed robbery and aggravated battery. In April of 2023, he was arrested after running from police with a loaded gun. At the time of Saturday’s fatal shooting the 16-year-old was serving a period of supervised release.
Due to their ages, authorities are not able to identify either person involved.
