SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – One of two juveniles facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Keyon Day has pleaded not guilty.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and Police Chief Ken Scarlette announced the charges. The juveniles are currently in custody on unrelated offenses.
The charges stem from a deadly shooting near Southeast High School that happened on April 24. Police were called to the 2300 block of Taylor Ave., just south of the school, at 8:42 a.m. They found the boy with at least one gunshot wound to the lower torso. He was rushed into surgery at the hospital but did not survive. He was later identified as Keyon Day.
A 16-year-old who is charged as an adult with First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Street Gang Member was arraigned Friday.
He entered a plea of not guilty. WAND News is choosing not to name the 16-year-old due to his age.
Police said he fired the shots that killed Day using a stolen firearm from a stolen vehicle driven by a 15-year-old.
The 15-year-old driver will be petitioned to be transferred to adult court and is charged with First-Degree Murder, under accountability, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Street Gang Member, and Obstructing Justice for attempting to dispose of the firearm.
The case remains under investigation and additional charges and arrests are likely, police say.
The gun that was allegedly used in the homicide has been recovered.
State’s Attorney Milhiser said, “Violent crime committed by individuals no matter their age in our community will not be tolerated and will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.”
Chief Scarlette added, “We will continue to focus on removing illegal guns from the streets, protecting the residents of Springfield and hold accountable those who break the law.”
Anyone with information concerning this shooting is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 217.788.8311 and/or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217.788.8427.
The 16-year-old’s next court appearance is set for July 8 at 10:30 a.m.
All people charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
