Mt. Vernon, IL – Tragic Mass Shooting Claims the Lives of Two Men, Police Investigate

Mt. Vernon, IL – Tragic Mass Shooting Claims the Lives of Two Men, Police Investigate

MT. VERNON, IL — The small city of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, is reeling from the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting that took place in the early hours of Friday, July 25, 2025, claiming the lives of 20-year-old Zomarrius Williams and 26-year-old Demonta Woodward. The shooting occurred in the 600 block of South 15th Street, a normally quiet residential neighborhood, shattering the sense of peace that many of the residents have known for years.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department (MVPD) has released the identities of the two victims and confirmed that both were fatally wounded during the shooting incident, which unfolded shortly after 2:00 a.m. on the fateful morning. Authorities say multiple gunshots were fired during the attack, which has left the community in shock and mourning.

The Incident: A Night of Violence in a Quiet Neighborhood

The shooting took place in a residential area of South 15th Street, a section of Mt. Vernon that typically experiences little to no violent crime. According to police reports, multiple individuals were gathered at a house when an unknown suspect or suspects arrived and opened fire. The gunman, or gunmen, fired several rounds into the crowd, striking Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses described hearing at least 10 gunshots before the suspect(s) fled the area. No arrests have been made, and the police have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or the result of an ongoing dispute. The MVPD immediately launched an investigation into the mass shooting, collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and canvassing nearby areas for any possible surveillance footage that could shed light on the identity of the shooter(s).

“This is an incredibly difficult and painful time for both of the victims’ families and the entire community,” said Chief of Police Laura Nichols of the Mt. Vernon Police Department. “We are fully committed to investigating this incident and bringing those responsible to justice. Our hearts go out to the families of Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that we find answers.”

Victims Identified: Remembering Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward

Zomarrius Williams, a 20-year-old resident of Mt. Vernon, was known for his vibrant personality and was described by friends and family as someone who was always full of life. According to those who knew him, Zomarrius had been working at a local construction job and was planning to attend college in the fall. His mother, Tanya Williams, shared how her son had always been a “hard worker” and had been excited about the future.

“He was just a good kid, trying to make a life for himself,” Tanya said, tears streaming down her face. “Zomarrius had his whole life ahead of him. He wanted to do something positive, but now he’s gone, and I don’t know how we’re supposed to move forward.”

Zomarrius’s friends took to social media to express their grief and share memories of the young man, remembering his sense of humor, his kind heart, and his loyalty to those close to him. Many described him as a “protector” and a “brother” to many in the Mt. Vernon community.

Demonta Woodward, a 26-year-old resident of Mounds, Illinois, was described as a “larger-than-life figure” by friends and family. Known for his outgoing personality, Demonta had recently moved to Mt. Vernon to pursue a new job opportunity and had been working in the construction field alongside Zomarrius. He had hopes of starting a business and establishing a more stable life for himself and his family.

“Demonta was just one of those people who could light up a room,” said Marcus Jackson, a close friend of Demonta. “He had dreams, and he was determined to make them happen. This is such a senseless tragedy. He didn’t deserve this. None of us did.”

Demonta’s family is devastated by the loss, with his mother, Carolyn Woodward, remembering her son as a loving and devoted person who would have done anything for his loved ones.

“He was my baby, and I can’t believe he’s gone,” Carolyn said, her voice shaking. “He was just starting to get his life together. He was a good person, a hard worker. This is just not fair.”

Both families have expressed their heartache and pain at the untimely deaths of their sons, whose lives were violently cut short by a senseless act of gun violence.

The Investigation: MVPD Investigating the Deadly Shooting

The Mt. Vernon Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting and has promised to bring the responsible parties to justice. Authorities have canvassed the area for witnesses and are combing through any available surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses that may provide clues to the identity of the suspect or suspects involved in the attack.

“We are taking this very seriously,” Chief Nichols stated. “This is a devastating loss for the victims’ families, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the person or people responsible are held accountable for their actions. Our detectives are working tirelessly to gather evidence, and we are hopeful that someone in the community will come forward with information that can help us.”

The police are also investigating whether the shooting is related to any ongoing gang activity, though at this time, there is no official confirmation that the victims were involved in any such activities. MVPD is actively working to gather all relevant information and is seeking assistance from the public.

“We need help from the community,” Chief Nichols said. “If anyone knows anything, whether it’s a tip about the suspects or any unusual activity in the area, please contact us. The sooner we can get information, the sooner we can solve this case and bring justice to the victims and their families.”

Community Reacts: Shock and Grief Spread Across Mt. Vernon

The shooting has sent shockwaves through Mt. Vernon, with the entire community shaken by the brutality of the act. Local residents are struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could unfold in their small town. Mt. Vernon is typically known for its close-knit atmosphere, where people look out for one another, and this mass shooting has left many feeling vulnerable and fearful.

“I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Diana Phillips, a longtime Mt. Vernon resident. “It’s scary to think that something like this could happen here. This is a small town, and we don’t expect to hear about shootings like you would in a big city.”

Friends of the victims have gathered in the days following the shooting to honor their memories, with candlelight vigils and memorials held to pay tribute to their lives. Community members have also organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the families with funeral expenses and provide support during this difficult time.

“We are just trying to stay strong for their families,” said Trevor Thomas, a close friend of both Zomarrius and Demonta. “We’ll never forget them. They meant so much to all of us.”

Several local organizations have also expressed their condolences and vowed to support the victims’ families through this heartbreaking time. The Mt. Vernon Ministerial Alliance and other local churches have been offering counseling services to help residents cope with the emotional toll of the tragedy.

“We are heartbroken over what happened,” said Reverend Michael Dillard, the head of a local church. “Our prayers go out to the families of Zomarrius and Demonta, and we will do everything we can to support them during this incredibly difficult time. This is a reminder that we all need to come together as a community, support one another, and work towards ending violence in our town.”

A Call for Justice: Families Seek Answers

As the investigation continues, the families of Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward are pleading for answers. Both families are determined to see justice for their sons, whose futures were cruelly taken from them in a moment of violence.

“We just want justice for Zomarrius,” said Tanya Williams, Zomarrius’s mother. “He didn’t deserve this. He was a good person, and he was trying to make a life for himself. I need to know why this happened, and I need to know who did this to my son.”

Carolyn Woodward, Demonta’s mother, echoed her sentiments, stating, “Demonta was just starting to live his life. He didn’t deserve to die like this. I want to know who took my son from me.”

The call for justice has resonated not only within the families but also across the community, with many residents rallying behind the families and pushing for a resolution to the investigation.

A Community in Mourning: A Legacy of Loss

As the Mt. Vernon community continues to mourn the loss of Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward, both families are focused on remembering their loved ones for the positive impacts they had on their community, their friends, and their families. Though their lives were tragically cut short, Zomarrius and Demonta will be remembered as young men with potential, dreams, and the promise of brighter futures.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department, local leaders, and the community as a whole are united in their resolve to find the perpetrators responsible for this senseless act of violence and to bring peace to the grieving families.

**A memorial service for Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward will be held on Tuesday, August 1,