Ceontae D. Matthews, 34, was found with multiple gunshot wounds about 3:10 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the 4000 block of Pontoon Road in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, near a daycare center. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis led the investigation, pursuing 45 leads, conducting interviews, and collecting evidence.

Within days authorities charged four people in connection with the killing. Davondrea L. Williams, 22, of East Saint Louis faces two counts of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a machine gun, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Malik A. Simpson, 20, of Saint Louis, Missouri, was charged with aggravated battery and obstructing justice. Deonna J. Williams, 24, of Granite City, and Decarlon T. Traylor, 46, of East Saint Louis were charged with obstructing justice. License plate reader data was cited as a key lead.

The case now proceeds through the courts. If anyone has information about Matthews, his movements that night, or the area around Pontoon Road, please come forward.