Yesterday, the U.S. Marshals (USMS) Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF) apprehended Deanthony Tillman of Illinois, implicated in a drive-by shooting that tragically ended the life of a 15-year-old boy last year. According to a report from the U.S. Marshals Service, Tillman faced charges relating to a Feb. 22, 2025, incident that involved multiple gang associates in Cahokia Heights, Illinois.
On the day of the incident, Tillman was reportedly amid a group in a white Nissan Maxima, exchanging gunfire with pedestrians. Amid the chaos, a 15-year-old located within the backseat of the car suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his head. The assailants subsequently dropped the young victim at a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Furthermore, Tillman and his associates are accused of perpetrating two additional drive-by shootings targeting the same individuals, resulting in injures that were not life-threatening.
The arrest took place yesterday at a residence in the 2100 block of Louise Avenue after investigators pinpointed Tillman's location. Collaboration between the USMS Southern Illinois-Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Illinois State Police led to a successful entry and apprehension. During the arrest, law enforcement officials discovered an AR-15 pistol in the residence, visible without search, which will likely contribute to the prosecution's case.
Tillman's encounter with the criminal justice system isn't new; he was on pretrial release for a prior firearm-related charge at the time of his arrest. As the investigation continues, additional charges are expected to be brought forward by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the St. Clair County Circuit Attorney’s Office. The establishment of this Fugitive Task Force on June 20, 2003, has clearly underscored its relentless commitment to pursuing and capturing those accused of violent crimes, with an arresting history of over 127,000 fugitives.
