Two teenagers are in custody following a shooting spree in southern Illinois. The incident left five members of the same family dead. Authorities captured the 16- and 15-year-old suspects in East St. Louis but have not disclosed their names or genders.

The connection between the suspects and the victims remains unclear. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly mentioned that one of the suspects has a family connection to the victims. Kelly confirmed a family link among the five East St. Louis residents who were slain.

According to officials, at least seven family members were shot at multiple locations in East St. Louis. Five of these victims have been confirmed dead. The deceased are identified as Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25.

Patricia A. May had worked at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as an office support associate from 1986 until her retirement in 2011.

The shootings occurred at three separate locations within a few miles of each other. One person was killed near Summit Avenue and North 39th Street. Three victims were found at the Samuel Gompers Homes. Another victim was killed at Jones Park, where two others were injured.

Chris Allen from the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office stated that Illinois Supreme Court rules restrict public comments on cases involving potential juveniles.