On April 28, 2023, at approximately 10:53 p.m., Carbondale Police officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of South Lewis Lane in Carbondale, Illinois. Upon arrival, they found a shooting victim and provided life-resuscitating measures. The Jackson County Ambulance Service also responded, providing care before transporting the victim to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where the victim was later pronounced deceased.
The victim was identified as Rayshawn L. Simon, a 41-year-old resident of Carbondale. Rayshawn, affectionately known as "RayRay," was born on January 16, 1982, to Tanya Mason and Bobby Simon. He grew up in Carbondale, attended Carbondale Elementary School and Carbondale High School, and later earned a degree in Banking and Accounting from Job Corps. Rayshawn was a loving and respectful father to five children and was known for his strong family bonds and his role as a "peacemaker" within his family.
Following the shooting, Carbondale Police detectives launched an active investigation. As a result of this investigation, two men were arrested and charged in connection with Rayshawn Simon's death. Dewayne E. Jones, 37 years old, and Jeffrey J. Harris, 24 years old, both of Carbondale, were incarcerated in the Jackson County Jail. Jones is charged with Murder, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, while Harris faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Battery.
The Carbondale Police Department continues to investigate the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact them at (618) 549-2121 or through the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip lines. Cash rewards are available for information leading to further arrests or convictions.
