A 21-year-old Centralia man has turned himself in to police in connection with Sunday’s fatal shooting on the city’s east side. Shavonte Samuels surrendered at the Centralia Police station on Tuesday, following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. He was subsequently transported to the Marion County Jail and is being held on a charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Marion County State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth confirmed that Samuels is one of two individuals believed to have had a firearm during the incident, which occurred in the 900 block of East Kell. Authorities are still searching for a second suspected gunman and a third person who was present but is not believed to have been armed.
The Illinois State Police reported Monday that a 19-year-old man died from gunshot wounds after being taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. His name has not yet been released. Three other individuals were treated for injuries and have since been released from the hospital.
Samuels is scheduled to make his first court appearance today (Wednesday) as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.