Destiny Smith, a 22-year-old African American female from St. Louis, Missouri, was tragically killed on September 17, 2021, in East St. Louis, Illinois. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 16, 2021, when Destiny was shot in the head during an armed robbery. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force was called in to assist the East Saint Louis Police Department with the investigation.
Destiny was pronounced dead at the scene by the Saint Clair County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation led to the arrest of Makisa Gurlly, a 23-year-old female from St. Louis. Gurlly was charged with murder and armed robbery. According to the charges, Gurlly, while committing a forcible felony, fired a handgun that struck Destiny Smith in the head, causing her death. Additionally, Gurlly was accused of taking a wallet containing U.S. currency from Destiny during the robbery. The charges were issued by the Office of St. Clair County State's Attorney James A. Gomric on September 18, 2021. Gurlly's bond was set at $750,000, with 10% to apply, and she remains in custody at the Saint Clair County Jail.
The case was jointly investigated by multiple agencies, including the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group, East St. Louis Police Department, Alton and Southern Railway Police, St. Clair County Coroner, and St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The collaborative efforts of these agencies were crucial in bringing charges against Gurlly and ensuring that the investigation was thorough and comprehensive. The tragic death of Destiny Smith highlights the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the area, and the community continues to seek justice for her untimely death.
