On September 25, 2023, 38-year-old Jeffrey Paine Jr. of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, was fatally shot outside Teddy’s Ju Joint, a nightclub at 7400 Old Missouri Avenue. The shooting was part of a triple shooting early that morning. Paine was shot once and taken by private vehicle to Touchette Regional Hospital, where he died. Two other men were shot: 26-year-old Brian Hill III of Belleville was found in the grass near the parking lot of the Centreville Church of Christ across the street, was shot several times, taken to a hospital, and later died; a third man was wounded and survived.

Cahokia Heights police investigated the incident, and a suspect, 28-year-old Demonte James, was arrested and charged in connection with the double murder. Paine is survived by his mother Dimeta Bruce of Cahokia Heights; his father Jeffrey Paine Sr. of St. Louis, Missouri; sons Jeffrey Paine III, Kaleb Paine, and Kalen Paine; daughters Grace, Carmela, Carma, and JaNiya Paine; and numerous siblings and other relatives. A visitation and funeral were held October 7, 2023, at Mt. Sinai MB Church in East St. Louis.

Are there details about the early-morning scene or witnesses that anyone in the area can share?