Alter E. Ivy II, a 17-year-old from Taylorville, Illinois, was shot during a large dispute near the town square on May 27, 2021. Reports say about 30 to 35 young adults and minors were involved in the confrontation. Ivy suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m. that evening.

Taylorville police arrested 19-year-old Richard Klekamp in connection with the shooting. Authorities say Klekamp did not have a prior relationship with the victims, was not initially part of the fight, and allegedly drove by, exited his vehicle, and fired two shots, one of which struck Ivy. The killing was described by local officials as the city’s first homicide in three years and prompted public assurances about community safety.

If anyone saw the dispute near the town square on May 27, 2021, or has information about the events that led to the shooting, please share what was observed.