In the early morning hours of August 2, 2026, 28-year-old Demonta L. Hunter of Belleville, Illinois, was found shot multiple times inside a vehicle at the intersection of 24th Street and Missouri Avenue in East Saint Louis and then pushed onto the roadway. Responding crews arrived about 5:21 a.m.; the St. Clair County Coroner pronounced Hunter dead at the scene.

The Illinois State Police led the investigation with assistance from the East St. Louis, Sauget, and Cahokia Heights police departments. Investigators identified and took into custody 21-year-old Evan M. Spencer of Fairview Heights, Illinois. On August 3, 2026 the St. Clair County State’s Attorney was presented with the case and filed a charge of first-degree murder against Spencer.

If anyone witnessed activity in the area of 24th Street and Missouri Avenue that morning or has information about Hunter, please share what is known with investigators.