Cole Weirciszewski, 19, of Belleville, Illinois, died on February 12, 2018, after being shot in his bedroom on Paulette Drive. A friend transported him to Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Cole had survived cancer at 14, graduated from Belleville-East High School, and was taking classes at Southwestern Illinois College through dual enrollment.

Investigators determined the shooting was unintentional. Jewell Q. Smith, 20, of Fairview Heights, was charged with involuntary manslaughter; bond was set at $100,000. A 20-gauge shotgun that Cole had legally purchased was the weapon involved. Seven friends, including Cole and Smith, were in the home when the incident occurred and the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis assisted the investigation.

Cole’s family and community remember him for his humor, caring nature and ambition. If anyone was with Cole that night or has information about what happened in that room, please come forward.