Brandon Johnson, a 33-year-old African American man from St. Louis, was tragically killed in a triple shooting in East St. Louis on March 23, 2021. The incident occurred near the intersection of North 31st Street and Jefferson Avenue around 12:50 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found two men dead from gunshot wounds, including Brandon Johnson and Ramondo Bootche, a 42-year-old African American man from East St. Louis.
A third man was taken to the hospital for treatment of his gunshot wounds.
The East St. Louis Police Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, is leading the investigation into the deadly shooting. Authorities have not provided additional information about the shooting, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The police are actively seeking information from the public to help identify the person or persons responsible for the shooting.
The community of East St. Louis has been deeply affected by the violence, with local leaders and organizations calling for action to address the root causes of such incidents. Rev. Barnicio Cureton, pastor at Light of Christ and New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Churches in East St. Louis, emphasized the need for community involvement in efforts to reduce violence and promote peace. His church offers various programs aimed at preventing violence and supporting those affected by it.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the tragic deaths of Brandon Johnson and Ramondo Bootche remain unresolved, leaving their families and the community seeking justice and answers. The East St. Louis Police Department and the Illinois State Police continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation.
