Clifford Tashay Mathis, a 42-year-old African American male from Granite City, Illinois, tragically lost his life on June 25, 2022, in Venice, Illinois. Mathis was the victim of a fatal drive-by shooting that occurred while he was outside with a large group of people in the area of Sixth Street and Broadway in Venice. The incident took place in broad daylight, adding to the shock and distress experienced by the community and Mathis's loved ones.
The investigation into Mathis's death led
to the arrest of Russean K. Hollis, a 17-year-old from Granite City. Despite being a minor at the time of the crime, Hollis was charged as an adult due to the severity of the offense. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but the swift resolution of the case brought some measure of closure to Mathis's family and friends.
Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable, regardless of their age, to deter such violent acts in the future. The collaborative efforts of the Illinois State Police, Venice Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office were instrumental in bringing Hollis to justice. This case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address and prevent such tragedies.
