Keron Hickman, a 23-year-old African American male from Alton, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 26, 2018. Keron was shot multiple times in the early morning hours on the 400 block of W. 19th Street in Alton. He was transported to OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. The incident also resulted in injuries to two other individuals, James S. Harrison and Jamal M.
McIntosh, who were treated for gunshot wounds at local hospitals.
The investigation into Keron Hickman's death was extensive, involving the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, which activated 28 investigators from 17 local law enforcement agencies. The investigation led to the arrest and charging of five individuals. Jordan T. Jackson, 20, was charged with multiple counts, including two alternate counts of first-degree murder for personally discharging a firearm with the intent to kill or cause great bodily harm to Keron Hickman. Jackson was also charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm for the shootings of Harrison and McIntosh. Additionally, he faced charges for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of weapons.
Markell J. Taylor, 18, was also charged with similar counts, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Taylor later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. The other individuals charged in connection with the case were Kiondo Jones, 19, Daelin Hampton, 18, and Bryanna L. Kingcade, 19. Jones and Hampton faced charges for unlawful use of weapons, while Kingcade was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
The case highlighted the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and the judicial system in addressing violent crimes. The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings aimed to bring justice for Keron Hickman and his family, as well as to address the broader issue of gun violence in the community. The tragic loss of Keron Hickman, a young man with a promising future, underscored the devastating impact of such violence on families and communities.
