Demonta Woodward, 26, of Mounds, Illinois, was killed by gunfire on July 27, 2025, during a large, non‑sanctioned gathering on the 600 block of South 15th Street in Mount Vernon. Police were called at 12:49 a.m. after shots erupted in a crowd estimated at more than 100 to 150 people; seven people were shot in the incident and five survivors were wounded. Woodward was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital and pronounced dead there.

Authorities said cooperation from the crowd was limited as the investigation began. Mount Vernon police arrested 22‑year‑old Jerria J. Smith of Mount Vernon and charged her with reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice; investigators stated the case remained active and additional arrests could follow. Friends and family have memorialized Woodward and officials have asked the public for witnesses and video to help reconstruct the night.

Does anyone who was in that area around midnight on July 27 have video or information that could help investigators?