Aaron Metts, 27, was fatally shot on October 7, 2023, in downtown Belleville at the intersection of South 1st Street and West B Street. Police responded to reports of multiple shots fired around noon and found Metts at the scene; he had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at 1:05 p.m. by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

Belleville police, working with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, identified a person of interest believed to be in a nearby residence. The Belleville/St. Clair Regional Special Response Team executed multiple search warrants there and took that person into custody. The individual, identified as Omarion D. Williams, 19, of East St. Louis, was charged with one count of first-degree murder. Authorities said the shooting was unrelated to the Belleville Chili Cook-off that was happening nearby and that there was no ongoing threat after the arrest.

Metts is survived by his mother Latesha Mason; father Galen Metts; son Messiah Metts; daughter Erin Metts; brother Izhail Hoffman; and sisters LaShae’ Silas, Mariah Thomas, and Kenya Big Shay Silas, plus other relatives and friends. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about Aaron’s death, contact Belleville police.