Davonte Simmons, an 18-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on March 24, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois. The incident occurred on Pleasant View Avenue around 8:40 p.m. when police responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Simmons lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds, including two to the shoulder and one to the back.
Witnesses initially believed he had been struck by a gray 2006 Nissan Altima, but further investigation revealed that the crime was captured on neighborhood surveillance video.
The investigation uncovered that the murder of Davonte Simmons was the result of a planned robbery. Four suspects were charged in connection with his death: Shon Davis, 19; Kenneth Alexander, 24; Angelo Woods, 18; and Marquzaise Alexander, 19. According to police reports, the suspects conspired to rob Simmons of his gun. The group met at the Orton Keys housing complex on Ranger Street and devised a plan. Davis contacted Simmons under the pretense of wanting to smoke marijuana together. When Simmons agreed, the suspects picked him up and drove to the area of Pleasant Street.
During the attempted robbery, shots were fired from the back seat of the car, where Marquzaise Alexander and Angelo Woods were seated. Simmons was shot multiple times, leading to his death. Kenneth Alexander, who was initially driving the car, later took over the wheel after Davis fled the scene. Marquzaise Alexander also fled, leaving behind his shoes on Pleasant Avenue. He later sought medical treatment for a gunshot wound to his hand but left the hospital before receiving care. The murder weapon was eventually recovered from Woods' basement, with forensic evidence linking it to the crime scene.
Legal proceedings followed the arrests of the suspects. Kenneth Alexander accepted a plea deal, resulting in a conviction for Armed Robbery with a Firearm and a 30-year prison sentence. Shon Davis also entered a negotiated plea, leading to a similar conviction and sentence. The cases against Marquzaise Alexander and Angelo Woods are ongoing, with court dates scheduled for later in the year. The tragic death of Davonte Simmons highlights the senseless violence that can arise from criminal activities and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
