Multiple people face charges for various gun crimes in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – Multiple people face charges for a variety of gun offenses in Jackson County.

The offenses span from February to May of 2024.

Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez says his office charged suspects in the following shooting.

“Our law enforcement professionals in Jackson County are dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are held accountable,” said Cervantez.

On February 25, around 4 p.m., Carbondale police responded to a report of multiple gunshots heard near North Robert A. Stalls Avenue and East Chestnut Street.

An investigation revealed that two people were traveling in a vehicle on North Robert A. Stalls Avenue were targeted and struck by gunshots from two suspects on foot.

Investigators identified multiple juveniles involved shooting.

Arrest warrants were obtained. They were arrested shortly after the incident.

The suspects charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney Office with multiple offenses including aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

On March 21, about 10:25 p.m., officers responded to a report of gunshots in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue.

Officers found two firearms.

Kaliyah D. Parker, 23, of Carbondale was arrested. Parker faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon, among others.

On April 17, around 10:30 p.m., Carbondale police responded to a report of shots fired in the 700 block of South Poplar Street. Officers confirmed that shots were
fired in the direction of 701 South Poplar Street in Carbondale.

Multiple suspects were identified. Ambrose N. Godsey, 21, of Carbondale was charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office with aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Godsey has been detained pending trial.

On April 20 around 7:15 p.m., Carbondale police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Lynda Street and Cedarview Street. Officers learned that a suspect fired several shots from a maroon vehicle before leaving the area west on Lynda Street.

Detectives identified the suspects as Jaden D. Bradley, 24, of Carbondale, and Tavaris L. Hill, 23, of Murphysboro.

Bradley faces charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Hill was charged with concealing or aiding a Fugitive.

The State’s Attorney’s Office requested a warrant for both suspects. Neither Bradley nor Hill have been located by law enforcement as of July 3.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Bradley or Hill is encouraged to call the Carbondale Police Department at (618) 457-3200. The investigation is active and ongoing.

On May 9 around 6:30 p.m., Carbondale Police officers responded to the 500 block of South Rawlings Street for a report that three people had been shot following a
physical disturbance. Two minors and one adult, Ahkira Guest, had been shot. All were treated for their injuries at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

The investigation led to the arrest of two female juveniles as the shooters. The shooters were charged by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Chonta Stidham, Jr., 21, of Carbondale, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing justice.

Robert Bethea, 23, of Carbondale, was charged with unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon.

On May 18, at around 6:50 a.m., Carbondale Police pfficers responded to 700 South Lewis Lane for a report of a male juvenile who had been shot following a dispute.

The victim was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment of injuries. He was transferred to a regional hospital by helicopter for additional treatment.

Kaemarius Parks of Centralia, Illinois is accused of being in an argument with the victim just before he is accused of shooting the victim in front of the Fields Apartments near building #1300. An arrest warrant for Parks was sought and obtained.

Parks faces charges of attempt first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Parks pending trial and it was granted by the court.

“I will be the first to agree that the criminal justice system needs improvement, that our community needs more resources, and that rehabilitation and diversion programs are valuable tools, but my job as a State’s Attorney is to strike the correct balance and always act in the interest of justice and public safety,” said Cervatez. “We will not allow violence to overshadow the positive things in our community.”

Carbondale Police Chief and Interim City Manager Stan Reno issued the following statement regarding the information released by State’s Attorney Cervantez:

“The Carbondale Police Department is committed to eliminating gun violence and enhancing the safety of the Carbondale community. The arrests announced by State’s Attorney Cervantez represent significant steps in our ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the threat of violent crime in Carbondale and to hold the offenders accountable.

These arrests are the results of diligent investigative work, pro-active police work and the unwavering commitment of the Carbondale police officers and detectives who are dedicated to protecting Carbondale. I commend the efforts of our officers and detectives, as well as the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their relentless pursuit of justice and their pro-active approach to eliminating gun violence.

Removing illegal firearms from the streets of Carbondale and holding those who commit gun offenses accountable are critical components of our strategies to ensure a safer Carbondale for all residents and visitors. We will continue to work closely with the community and our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in criminal activities.

The Carbondale Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the Carbondale community. I encourage community members to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work together with us to make Carbondale a safe place for everyone.”