A late-night shooting outside DaBlitz Sports Bar and Grill in East St. Louis on July 31, 2024, killed 30-year-old Antonio Patton and 47-year-old Alexander Matlock. The attack happened at about 2 a.m.; a third victim, a woman, was wounded and taken to a local hospital. The Illinois State Police are investigating and no arrests have been reported.

Antonio Patton was the second eldest of eight children and a devoted father to a 7-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. His mother, Marquetta Patton-Matlock, described him as a momma’s boy who loved his family, played football at East St. Louis Senior High School, and often brought his favorite homemade beef stew and chili when he visited. She remembered him as protective and generous, frequently helping friends so their families would be provided for.

The family is grieving and appealing for justice, and authorities have asked the public for any information that could identify those responsible. If anyone was at DaBlitz Sports Bar and Grill that night or has information about the shooting, please come forward to help bring closure to the families.