A late-night walk in Belleville ended in gunfire last weekend, and now two East St. Louis men are facing first-degree murder charges in the killing of 22-year-old Dewayne Wright.
Investigators say Wright was shot multiple times while walking near 84th Street and Washington Street last Saturday. Paramedics rushed him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to First Alert 4. Authorities said two suspects were identified and taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Illinois State Police identified the suspects as 18-year-old Rashad Bonner and 21-year-old Damontez Williams, both from East St. Louis. Each is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Wright’s death near the 84th and Washington intersection.
The two men are being held at the St. Clair County Jail while they await their first court appearances. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department lists the jail at 700 North Fifth Street in Belleville and maintains an online inmate search, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department.
Investigation and next steps
Illinois State Police led the investigation that pointed to Bonner and Williams as suspects. So far, ISP has not released details about a possible motive or the specific evidence that led to the charges. Prosecutors are expected to review the case file, and a judge will schedule initial hearings once all charging paperwork is finalized, according to First Alert 4.
Legal implications
Under Illinois law, first-degree murder is defined in 720 ILCS 5/9-1 as an intentional or knowing killing, or a death that occurs during the commission of a forcible felony. A conviction can bring a sentence ranging from decades in prison to life behind bars, according to the Illinois General Assembly. Bonner and Williams are presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove the charges in court.
This story will be updated as new court filings or official statements are released. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact local law enforcement.
