DeAndray Jackson, a 26-year-old African American man, was shot and killed on January 20, 2017, in Mount Vernon, Illinois during an attempted robbery. According to charges, the group had gathered on Conger Avenue that day and discussed robbing Jackson; an altercation over his backpack followed, and Jackson was shot as he tried to flee.

Investigators charged several people in connection with the killing. John Wells was accused of firing the fatal shot and was charged with murder. Co-defendants Lekedrieon Russell, Dantrez Brown, Jarron Liddell, Tony Feggins, Deon Frazier, and Lamar Williams Jr. also faced murder charges. Curtis Devan Jr., 24, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice, admitting he told others at the scene to hide and not come forward; he received 27 months in prison in exchange for cooperation. Four others, including Savon Cummings, Desmond Eggleston, Gerrodo Forest, and a juvenile, were charged with obstructing justice.

Wells was later given a lengthy prison term for his role in the robbery and killing. Are there witnesses or local readers who can add details about what happened on Conger Avenue that day?