Man found guilty of murder in Carbondale shooting

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) – Dewayne E. Jones Jr., 39, of Carbondale, was found guilty of murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm by a Jackson County jury on April 4, 2025, following a five-day trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, Carbondale police responded to a shooting at 700 South Lewis Lane on April 28, 2023, and found Rayshaun L. Simon with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Despite life-saving measures, Simon succumbed to his injuries at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

Jones faces a sentence of 45 years to natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the murder.

Jackson County Assistant State’s Attorneys Casey E.A. Bloodworth and Sophia Allen led the prosecution.

“We commend the swift response of law enforcement and the dedication of the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office,” said State’s Attorney Marsha L. Cascio-Hale. “With everyone’s hard work, justice was done.”

Bloodworth praised the multi-jurisdictional investigation, while Allen emphasized that gun violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to keep the community safe.