CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. — Police in the Metro East are looking for two men they said are persons of interest in a deadly shooting of a teenager in Cahokia Heights on Thanksgiving.
The Cahokia Heights Police Department said officers are looking for 21-year-old Scorian Cortex Johnson Jr. and 20-year-old Michael T. Hunter in connection with the death of 16-year-old Markel Staples.
Cahokia Heights police got to the 300 block of Adele Avenue and found two teens had been shot inside a black Honda Accord. Investigators say the car didn't have any license plates and was reported stolen from Fairview Heights on Thursday morning.
Police said 16-year-old Markel Staples, the front-seat passenger, died after being shot in the head. A 17-year-old was also shot and injured.
On Wednesday, police said they were looking for Johnson Jr. and Hunter. They said both should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Tony Tomlinson with the Cahokia Heights Police Department at 618-825-2681.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.