BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A late-night shooting in Belleville has left an 18-year-old woman dead and two others injured, ending hours later with the suspected shooter found dead across state lines. The violent incident unfolded Saturday night in a residential area, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a multi-agency investigation.
According to authorities, Belleville and Swansea police officers were dispatched around 11:19 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, to the 1700 block of Jamestown Road after receiving multiple reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered a chaotic scene involving three female victims and immediately secured the area while rendering aid.
One of the victims was identified as Shenandoah Burton, 18. She was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. Her death has deeply impacted the Belleville community, with residents struggling to understand how such violence could claim the life of someone so young. Police have not released details about what led up to the shooting.
Two additional female victims were located inside a nearby vehicle. Authorities said one of the women had suffered a gunshot wound and was treated for her injuries. The second woman was also found at the scene, though her condition has not been publicly released. Both survivors are expected to cooperate with investigators as the case continues.
Because the crime scene spanned areas involving multiple jurisdictions, the Belleville Police Department assumed control of the investigation. Detectives identified a known acquaintance as the suspect and quickly issued a regional BOLO, or “Be On the Lookout,” alert to surrounding law enforcement agencies as the search intensified.
The search came to an end early Sunday morning. At approximately 2:30 a.m. on January 18, the suspect’s vehicle was located by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department in Missouri. Before officers could make contact, the suspect was found dead inside the vehicle from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the deadly shooting. Meanwhile, Shenandoah Burton’s family, friends, and the Belleville community are left mourning a young life cut short, once again highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods.
