LaShawn Bell was 17 when he was found shot to death on December 25, 2022. Officers responded to a call at about 12:05 a.m. on Fall Street between Williams Street and Richard Drive in East St. Louis and discovered Bell lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to assist. Investigators said several leads came in and asked the public for information to help identify the perpetrators. Two suspects were later identified and charged as adults with first-degree murder: Lamarcus Jackson, 17, and Devontay Chism, 16, each held on $1,000,000 bond.

The community mourned the loss and officials continued the investigation into the circumstances of the killing. If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew LaShawn, please share tips with investigators.