Tykeem DeCarlos King, a 23-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 14, 2020, in Springfield, Illinois. Tykeem was born on July 25, 1996, and was known for his infectious smile and loving nature. He was employed at Pizza Ranch as a line cook and had previously worked at Heartfelt Cleaning Service. Tykeem was a father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, and he was cherished by his family and friends for his joyful spirit and dedication to his loved ones.
On the early morning of June 14, 2020, Tykeem King was shot multiple times at 7 Brothers Grocery, located at the corner of Laurel and 11th Streets in Springfield. The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. during a physical altercation inside the store. Tykeem was shot in the face and sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital at approximately 4:30 a.m. The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, confirmed that Tykeem died from multiple gunshot wounds, and the Springfield Police Department immediately began investigating the case as a homicide.
The investigation into Tykeem King's death led to the arrest of Eugene Jackson, a 36-year-old male from Springfield. Jackson was charged with the murder of Tykeem King. The charges against Jackson included three counts of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, and armed habitual criminal. Jackson was taken into custody by Springfield Police and U.S. Marshals from the Great Lakes Regional Task Force. He was held in the Sangamon County Jail with a bond set at $2 million. The case against Jackson was ongoing, and he faced a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
Tykeem King's death marked the third homicide in Springfield in 2020. The community was deeply affected by the loss of such a vibrant and loving individual. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help Tykeem's family with funeral expenses, and the community rallied to support them during this difficult time. The investigation into Tykeem's murder continued as authorities sought to bring justice for his untimely death.
