Robert Triplett, an 18-year-old African American from Chicago Heights, was killed in a late-night shooting at the Exotic Smoke Shop in Matteson, Illinois, on May 4, 2022. He and another 18-year-old male were found with multiple gunshot wounds; Triplett was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. The Cook County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Surveillance footage showed two gunmen opening fire on the victims. One of the shooters, identified as Ephram Layton of Park Forest, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder; a second gunman remained at large. Prosecutors said neither victim was armed at the time of the shooting, though Layton’s attorney raised possible self-defense during a bail hearing and referenced a handgun found in one of the victim’s vehicles. The judge denied bail for Layton, citing the danger he posed. Authorities asked anyone with information to come forward.

Did anyone in the Matteson area see or have information about the shooting that night?