Tommie Stevenson, a 23-year-old African American male from Belleville, Illinois, tragically lost his life on July 4, 2022. The incident occurred in the parking lot of Pop's Liquor Store located at 4607 Bond Ave in Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis. On that fateful day, Cahokia Heights Police responded to a call reporting a person shot. Upon arrival, officers found Tommie Stevenson suffering from gunshot wounds to his back.
Despite being transported to Touchette Regional Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The investigation into Tommie Stevenson's death revealed that he was shot during a robbery. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing that Stevenson was shot in the back while being robbed of marijuana. The primary suspect, Shamon Jackson, a 20-year-old male from Belleville, was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. The charges were filed more than two years after the homicide, on October 23, 2024. Jackson's attorney argued that there were multiple shell casings at the scene, suggesting uncertainty about who fired the fatal shots. However, the prosecution maintained that the surveillance footage clearly showed Jackson committing the crime.
In addition to Jackson, another individual, Dwight L. Smith, 28, also faced charges related to Stevenson's death. Smith was initially charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was later dismissed as part of a plea bargain. He pleaded guilty to armed robbery and received a 28-year sentence. Smith agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the case against Jackson, providing crucial testimony. The court proceedings highlighted the presence of multiple witnesses and the existence of video evidence, strengthening the case against Jackson.
The tragic death of Tommie Stevenson has left a lasting impact on his family and community. His passing was mourned by many, and his memory was honored through various services and tributes. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, with the hope that justice will be served for the young man whose life was cut short in such a senseless act of violence.
