Cherie May, 49, was fatally shot in East St. Louis in the summer of 2026. Her death was discovered first and prompted investigators to uncover a series of related killings that left five family members dead: Cherie, Patricia A. May, 74, Devin D. May, 20, Shania W. Thompson, 25, and Quentin L. Thompson, 21. Two other relatives were shot and survived with injuries.

Authorities say the alleged perpetrators were two teenagers: a 15-year-old girl related to the victims and her 16-year-old boyfriend, Ja’ymeir Davis. They were arrested in a state park. Davis was charged as an adult with five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking, one count of dismembering a human body related to an accusation he cut off Patricia May’s thumb, and one count of unlawful use of a stolen firearm. Prosecutors sought to transfer the 15-year-old’s case to adult court.

Family and community members held a joint funeral service for Cherie, Patricia and Devin May at the House of Prayer to All Nations Church, remembering their love and kindness. If anyone knew Cherie or has information about the events that led to these deaths, please share what is known.