Curtis T. Hairston Jr., an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 4, 2019, in Decatur, Illinois. Curtis was shot multiple times inside a former Long John Silver's restaurant during what police described as a botched gun swap. The incident left another man with life-threatening injuries, who was subsequently taken to St. Mary's Hospital. Curtis succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital shortly after the shooting.
The investigation into Curtis T. Hairston's death led to the arrest of multiple suspects. Matthew A. Anderson Jr. was arrested on January 11, 2019, on a warrant for first-degree murder. Anderson was later found guilty on all four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. His sentence included 25 years for first-degree murder and an additional 25 years for discharging a firearm that caused Curtis's death. Anderson is required to serve 85% of his sentence and will be under mandatory supervision for three years following his release.
In addition to Anderson, two other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. A 15-year-old boy from Decatur and Jaquarius West were also implicated. West pleaded not guilty in February 2020, and his pre-trial was set for June 24, 2021. The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the community's ongoing struggle with gun violence and the efforts of local leaders to address this critical issue.
Curtis T. Hairston's untimely death and the subsequent legal actions against those involved underscore the tragic consequences of gun violence and the importance of continued efforts to ensure justice and safety within the community.
