A shooting late Sunday afternoon in the 900 block of East Kell Street in Centralia has left one person dead and at least three others injured, according to the Illinois State Police.
The Centralia Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:01 p.m. and immediately requested assistance from the Illinois State Police Zone 8 investigations unit to lead the inquiry into the incident. Authorities report that the investigation is in its early stages, and to preserve its integrity, no additional details are being released at this time.
Marion County Coroner Claude Howell confirmed that he was called to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, where one of the shooting victims was pronounced dead. However, at the request of the State Police, the coroner is withholding further information regarding the victim.
Law enforcement agencies from the four-county area surrounding Centralia were called in to assist, not only with the ongoing investigation but also with crowd control, which became a concern following the shooting. To aid the investigation after sunset, portable lighting was brought to the scene.
In addition, St. Mary’s Hospital was reportedly placed on lockdown after the arrival of the shooting victims.
Both the Centralia Police and Illinois State Police have stated that more information will be provided as it becomes available.