Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MCS 25-835
Press Conference
Good afternoon.
My name is Tim Lawrence, I am a lieutenant with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Commander for this investigation. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim in this case.
The Major Case Squad is normally activated for homicide investigations. Fortunately, our victim in this case is still alive, however he remains in the hospital in critical condition. The victim is an eleven year old boy and a Cahokia Heights resident. In order to protect his privacy, we will not be disclosing his name at this time.
I would like to recognize and express my appreciation for the tireless efforts of the members of the Major Case Squad. We had over 20 investigators that have worked over 900 total hours in just a few days. I would like to recognize the members of the Cahokia Heights Police Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, and the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. Last, and most importantly, I would like to thank the EMS personnel and hospital medical staff; without their timely response and treatment the victim would have most certainly died.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Cahokia Heights Police Department received calls of a shooting in the 1600 block of Andrews Dr, Cahokia Heights, Illinois. Upon first responders’ arrival, a juvenile male was located with an apparent gunshot wound. The male was transported to a St. Louis area hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
The Major Case Squad was activated at the request of the Cahokia Heights Police Department. Investigators responded to the call and continue to work towards a resolution.
After a thorough investigation, several persons of interest were located and one suspect was identified. At this point in the investigation, one suspect has been charged and he is identified as:
Jeremiah Johnson, 23 y/o B/M, Cahokia Heights, Illinois
The investigation revealed that one subject was walking through the area of the 1600 block of Andrews Dr. A verbal disturbance ensued between him and other subjects in the area. At some point, several gunshots are fired from the subjects involved.
During the exchange of gunfire, the victim was leaving a friend’s house on his bicycle. As he attempted to ride away, he was struck by gunfire.
On July 23, 2025, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Jeremiah Johnson with aggravated battery, mob action, and obstructing justice. Investigators arrested a second subject; he remains in custody for an unrelated incident. Charges for him and other persons of interest are pending further review from the State’s Attorney’s Office.
This was a thorough, but swift investigation. We have investigated over 75 leads and executed numerous search warrants. We are continuing to investigate as additional information is obtained. We are still waiting on lab results from the Illinois State Police crime lab, which will likely lead to additional charges. Due to this being an active investigation with additional charges forthcoming, I am unable to elaborate on any further details at this time.
I can’t imagine the sadness felt by the family and friends of our victim, but I can hope that they will find some comfort that the perpetrators were found and one suspect was charged quickly. This case will be turned over to the courts and we pray that justice is served.
As this investigation continues, the public is encouraged to contact the Major Case Squad or the Cahokia Heights Police Department with any additional information at (618) 332-4277. Anonymous tips can be made to CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).
Detective Tim Lawrence
Lieutenant
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Illinois Chief Deputy Report Officer – Major Case Squad
