local
‘I love blood’: Officials reveal texts between teens accused of killing 5 family members
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 4 min read
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) – One of the teens accused of killing five people and injuring two others in a mass shooting in East St. Louis appeared in court for the first time on those charges.At 16 years old, Ja’ymier Davis is facing 12 charges as an adult, including five counts of fir...
Key takeaway The timelineAccording to the State’s Attorney, WT’s aunt, Cherie May, 49, was killed on July 5.
Why this matters in The Nashville
This tragic case in East St. Louis, although outside of Nashville , raises concerns about juvenile violence and its potential impact on local communities. As Nashville's own juvenile justice system grapples with similar issues, the details of this case serve as a stark reminder of the need for effective intervention and support for at-risk youth. The fact that a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy are accused of such heinous crimes highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of juvenile violence, such as poverty, lack of access to education and job opportunities, and mental health issues. Nashville's community leaders and policymakers must take note of this case and consider how to strengthen local programs and services aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency and providing support to families in need. By learning from this tragedy, Nashville can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) – One of the teens accused of killing five people and injuring two others in a mass shooting in East St. Louis appeared in court for the first time on those charges.At 16 years old, Ja’ymier Davis is facing 12 charges as an adult, including five counts of fir...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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