Illinois State Police Arrests Two East St. Louis Men for First Degree Murder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026
JUNE 12, 2026
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) Special Agents arrested 18-year-old Rashad M. Bonner and 21-year-old Damontez F. Williams, both of East St. Louis, IL, for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).
On June 6, 2026, East St. Louis Police Department requested ISP PSEG’s assistance with a homicide investigation in the area of 84th Street and Washington Street. The 22-year-old victim, Dewayne T. Wright of Belleville, IL, had been shot multiple times while walking with Bonner and Williams. Wright was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased.
After a thorough investigation, ISP PSEG Special Agents identified Bonner and Williams as the suspects. ISP presented the case to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charges were filed against both Bonner and Willams. Bonner and Williams are being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending their first court appearances. There is no further information.
The charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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