Delas M. Carter, a 30-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on June 25, 2021, in Granite City, Illinois. The incident occurred at Cheapies Tires, located at 1525 Madison Avenue, where Carter was employed. At approximately 11:23 AM, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the tire shop. Upon arrival, they found Carter suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Carter's death was led by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, in collaboration with the Granite City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed that Fred W. Williams Jr., a 31-year-old male from East St. Louis, was responsible for the shooting. Williams approached Carter outside the tire shop and fired multiple shots at close range, striking him several times. After initially fleeing the scene, Williams returned and fired additional shots at Carter as he lay on the ground, resulting in a total of ten bullet wounds.
Williams was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and reckless discharge of a firearm. His bond was set at $3,000,000. During the investigation, another suspect, Dionta Moore, was identified. However, when police attempted to arrest Moore, he committed suicide. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, although it was established that Williams and Carter were acquainted.
The case proceeded to trial, and in March 2023, a Madison County jury found Williams guilty of first-degree murder. The trial included compelling evidence such as security camera footage, cell phone analysis, license plate reader data, and DNA evidence linking Williams to the crime. The prosecution described the shooting as an "execution in broad daylight," emphasizing the brutality of the act.
Following his conviction, Williams was sentenced to 78 years in prison. The sentencing brought some measure of closure to Carter's family, who had been present throughout the trial. The case highlighted the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and the judicial system in bringing justice to the victim and his family.
