On the morning of April 24, 2024, 16-year-old Keyon Maurice Day was fatally shot while walking to Southeast High School in Springfield, Illinois. The shooting occurred near Dreamland Park at about 8:30 a.m. when gunfire from a passing vehicle struck Keyon multiple times in the lower torso. He was taken to a local hospital and died later that day; the Sangamon County Coroner confirmed his death.

Keyon was a sophomore who ran track and played football. Coaches and classmates remembered him as a charismatic, uplifting presence who often brought joy and laughter to those around him. His funeral was held May 7, 2024, at Union Baptist Church and drew a large crowd.

Following the investigation, two juveniles were arrested. Sixteen-year-old Dremone Patterson was charged as an adult with First Degree Murder and related weapons and stolen property counts; authorities allege Patterson fired the fatal shots from a stolen firearm in a stolen vehicle. The other juvenile, identified as 15-year-old Cordae Curb, was charged with First Degree Murder under accountability and with related offenses; he was later transferred from juvenile to adult court. The firearm used was recovered and the investigation remains active.

If anyone knew Keyon or has information about the shooting, please share what you know.