Teen Couple Allegedly Involved in Family Murder Spree

Disturbing messages exchanged between a teenage couple were revealed during a pre-trial hearing for a 16-year-old boy accused of killing five members of his girlfriend’s family. This event unfolded earlier this week, shedding light on the horrific nature of the case.

Authorities from Illinois State Police stated that all victims were relatives of the defendant’s 15-year-old girlfriend, referred to in court documents only by her initials, WT, as she is being tried as a juvenile. Her boyfriend, Jamiah Davis, faces adult charges under Illinois law due to their age and the severity of the crime.

In total, the couple is accused of murdering the girlfriend’s grandmother, 74-year-old Patricia May; her 49-year-old aunt, Cherry Mae; her 25-year-old sister, Shania Thompson; her 24-year-old cousin, Devin May; and her 21-year-old brother, Quentin Thompson.

During the hearing in St. Clair County Criminal Court, prosecutors presented unsettling Instagram conversations between Davis and WT prior to the murders. In one exchange, Davis provocatively mentioned, “Well, it’ll be easy if you’re an old lady. You can point a gun at her and stab her.” WT responded, “I can do that. I love blood.” She also expressed her willingness to give up her entire family for him.

According to court testimony, WT’s mother discovered a message where the couple supposedly outlined their intended targets within the family.

Moreover, law enforcement alleged that during their arrest, they found Patricia May’s severed thumb, which the couple had removed to access her cell phone.

Davis faces twelve charges, which include five counts of first-degree murder, mutilation of a human body, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated vehicle hijacking, and unlawful use of a stolen firearm. Despite the severity of these accusations, his attorney asserts that he acted in self-defense.

Patrick Sullivan, a part-time public defender representing Davis, stated, “This is not a case where he’s the hunter. He’s the hunted.” The truth, he suggests, will eventually come to light.

During the pre-trial proceedings, Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Lewis argued for Davis to remain in custody, citing the potential danger if he were released. “There’s every indication that if he gets out he’ll finish what he started,” Lewis stressed.

Judge Sarah Rice ruled in favor of keeping Davis detained while the case progresses. As of now, authorities have not disclosed a specific motive for the brutal killings.

In a broader investigation, Illinois State Police discovered the body of another victim, Shelley Mae, at a public housing complex in East St. Louis. More victims, including Patricia and Devin May, were also found deceased at that location, while Quentin and Shania Thompson were killed in Jones Park and a nearby alley, respectively. Two other relatives managed to survive the attack.

Lamarian Smiley, whose wife survived, mentioned that the teenage couple had posted a “hit list” on Instagram. He noted, “It was all because everyone wanted to be together.” He expressed relief that his wife survived, explaining they were spared because the attackers ran out of bullets.

Additionally, Smiley mentioned that the firearm used in the incident was stolen from WT’s mother. “She took the keys from her purse, unlocked the lockbox, and took the firearm,” he recounted.

The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office is aiming to have the 15-year-old girl tried as an adult, indicating the severity of the situation.