Matthew E. Lockett, a 24-year-old African American male from East St. Louis, Illinois, was tragically shot and killed on December 30, 2018, in O'Fallon, Illinois. The incident occurred at the Castle Acres Mobile Home Park, located in the 1700 block of West Highway 50. At approximately 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired and found Lockett suffering from a gunshot wound in the middle of the street.
He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The O'Fallon Police Department, with the assistance of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, launched an investigation into Lockett's death. During the investigation, it was revealed that a light-colored vehicle, possibly white, with dark-colored wheels, was seen leaving the area at the time of the shooting. This detail became a crucial lead in the case as authorities sought to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the crime.
As a result of the investigation, James Garrett, a 26-year-old male, was charged with one count of Armed Violence and one count of Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis in connection with Lockett's death. Garrett's bond was set at $65,000. The charges against Garrett indicated that the circumstances surrounding Lockett's death were complex and involved multiple factors, including potential drug-related activities.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the violence that can erupt in communities and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families. The Major Case Squad and the O'Fallon Police Department continue to encourage anyone with additional information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
