Aaron Metts, a 27-year-old resident of Belleville, Illinois, was fatally shot on October 7, 2023. The incident occurred in the downtown area of Belleville, specifically at the intersection of South 1st Street and West B Street. Police responded to reports of multiple shots fired around noon and found Metts at the scene, where he had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at 1:05 p.m. by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr..
The investigation led by the Belleville police, in collaboration with the St. Clair County State’s Attorneys Office, identified a person of interest who was believed to be in a nearby residence. The Belleville/St. Clair Regional Special Response Team executed multiple search warrants at this residence and took the person of interest into custody. The individual, later identified as Omarion D. Williams, 19, of East St. Louis, was charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with Metts' death.
The shooting was determined to be unrelated to the Belleville Chili Cook-off, which was taking place in the area at the time. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing threat in the area following the arrest.
Aaron Metts is survived by his mother, Latesha Mason; father, Galen Metts; son, Messiah Metts; daughter, Erin Metts; brother, Izhail Hoffman; and sisters LaShae’ Silas, Mariah Thomas, and Kenya “Big Shay” Silas, among other relatives and friends. A visitation service and funeral were held for him at Calvary Church in Cahokia Heights, Illinois.
