Shooting in Mt. Vernon, IL Claims Two Lives: Victims Identified, Arrest Made
MT. VERNON, IL – In a tragic incident that unfolded on the early morning of July 27, 2025, two lives were lost in a senseless act of gun violence, leaving the Mt. Vernon community in shock and mourning. The victims, identified as Zomarrius Williams, a 20-year-old male from Mt. Vernon, and Demonta Woodward, a 26-year-old male from Mounds, IL, were fatally shot in a gunfight that erupted in the 600 block of South 15th Street, a residential area near Lamar Avenue.
Victims Identified: Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward
Authorities confirmed the identities of the victims following extensive work by the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Zomarrius Williams, a Mt. Vernon resident, and Demonta Woodward, a resident of nearby Mounds, were both pronounced dead at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
Friends and family members of both victims have described them as vibrant young men with a lot of promise. Williams had been a local high school graduate and was known for his passion for sports and his outgoing personality. Woodward, on the other hand, had been a father and a close-knit figure in his community, known for being supportive to friends and family alike. The tragic deaths of these two young men have deeply affected their families and the broader Mt. Vernon area, which is reeling from this horrific loss.
Arrest Made: Jerria J. Smith Charged
Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the shooting, announcing that Jerria J. Smith, a 22-year-old female from Mt. Vernon, IL, has been taken into custody. Smith has been formally charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Obstruction of Justice, though police have indicated that further charges are possible as the investigation develops.
Mt. Vernon Police Chief, David Miller, confirmed that Smith’s involvement in the shooting remains under investigation, and the department is working diligently to gather more evidence and identify additional suspects. “This investigation is still in its early stages, but we are making progress,” Miller said during a press briefing. “We will continue to follow every lead and pursue every piece of evidence to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.”
According to law enforcement sources, Smith was allegedly involved in an altercation leading up to the gunfire, and investigators are piecing together the timeline of events. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive for the shooting, but they are exploring all possibilities, including prior disputes or ongoing tensions between individuals involved.
Investigation Continues: More Arrests and Charges Expected
The investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing, and law enforcement has urged anyone with information to come forward. Detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department are working with forensic experts, as well as gathering witness testimony and surveillance footage from nearby businesses to piece together a clearer picture of what transpired in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing the importance of community cooperation in solving such tragic events. “Our community is shaken by this tragic loss of life,” said Mayor Lewis in a statement. “We are working hard to ensure that justice is served, and we are urging anyone who may have witnessed this incident or knows anything to step forward.”
Law enforcement officials have indicated that more arrests and charges are anticipated as they continue to investigate all the leads and collect further evidence. The Mt. Vernon Police Department is following up on multiple tips and reviewing video footage from the area to identify any additional suspects or individuals who may have played a role in the incident. The department has not ruled out the possibility of a gang-related or drug-related motive, but they are keeping all options on the table as the investigation unfolds.
Community Calls for Action: Reducing Gun Violence
The shooting has sparked renewed conversations about the ongoing issue of gun violence in Mt. Vernon and the surrounding areas. Local leaders and residents have expressed concerns about the increase in violent crime and are calling for more robust community policing efforts and gun control measures.
During a public town hall meeting held in the wake of the shooting, Mayor John Lewis addressed concerned citizens, emphasizing the need for proactive solutions. “We cannot continue to allow gun violence to ravage our community,” Lewis stated. “We need stronger measures, both locally and statewide, to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening.”
Residents at the meeting voiced their frustrations with the increasing frequency of violent incidents in the area. Several individuals highlighted the lack of sufficient mental health services, the easy availability of firearms, and the lack of youth outreach programs as contributing factors to the rise in gun-related violence. The town hall was a call to action for local law enforcement to work more closely with community leaders to prevent further violence.
Investigators Seek Additional Information
The Mt. Vernon Police Department continues to request that anyone with information related to the shooting come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who may have witnessed the shooting or have access to video footage from the scene. Video evidence could be pivotal in solving the case and holding those responsible accountable.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mt. Vernon Police Department directly at 618-242-2132, or to leave anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at 618-242-8477 (TIPS). Additionally, anyone with video footage from the area of 15th and Lamar is asked to submit it through the department’s dedicated portal: mtvernonpdil.evidence.com/…/15th-and-lamar.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are also reminding the public that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation progresses, the families and friends of Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward are left to mourn the tragic loss of their loved ones. The impact of this shooting ripples far beyond the immediate victims, affecting everyone in Mt. Vernon and the surrounding region.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the families of the victims, with funds being used for funeral costs and to help with other financial burdens. The community has rallied together to offer support to those grieving, and memorial services for both victims are expected in the coming days.
Mayor John Lewis called for unity in the face of this tragedy: “This is a time for our community to come together, to heal, and to support one another. We cannot let this senseless violence define us, but rather, we must continue to move forward and work together for a safer, stronger Mt. Vernon.”
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
As the investigation into this devastating shooting continues, the Mt. Vernon Police Department is committed to pursuing justice for the victims, Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Jerria J. Smith remains in custody as authorities continue to gather evidence, and more arrests and charges are expected in the coming weeks.
The tragic events of July 27, 2025, are a reminder of the ongoing struggle against gun violence, but they also underscore the importance of community collaboration and justice. As investigators work tirelessly to bring closure to this case, they remain hopeful that with the support of the community, they will be able to bring the responsible parties to justice.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and all those affected by this horrific event.
Leave a Reply