Christopher Emerson, 17, was shot and killed on the morning of October 18, 2019, at the John DeShields Homes housing complex in East St. Louis, Illinois. Police responded to a shooting call at about 9:20 a.m. and found Emerson near one of the buildings with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The St. Clair County Coroner identified him and listed his residence as Belleville, Illinois.

The Illinois State Police’s Zone 6 Investigations unit is assisting the East St. Louis Police Department with the homicide investigation. No arrests or suspects have been publicly identified, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact ISP Master Sergeant Elbert Jennings, the East St. Louis Police Department, or CrimeStoppers.

Emerson’s obituary names his mother, Tynesha Culpepper, stepfather Ronald Cole, three sisters and other extended family members. The community has expressed concern about safety following his death. If anyone knew Christopher or has information about what happened that morning, please come forward to investigators.