A Carbondale man has been charged in the death of 18-year-old Southern Illinois University student Keeshanna Jackson after a shooting that took place in August of 2021 on West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois.
It was announced that 22-year-old Keavonte Nesby has been charged with first degree murder as well as other offenses; two counts of first degree murder, two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
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On August 14, a press conference was held at the Carbondale Police Station in regards to Jackson’s death. The conference was held by the States Attorney of Jackson County, Joseph Cervantez and Carbondale Chief of Police, Stan Reno.
“On August 22, 2021 Keeshanna Jackson’s life was cut short by an act of violence that left her family, her loved ones and our entire community devastated,” Reno said. “Keeshanna was one of four people struck by gunfire in the early morning hours of [that] Sunday on [West] Cherry Street. Despite the best efforts of our officers and first responders, we tragically lost her that morning.”
The Carbondale Police Department responded to 911 calls on August 22, 2021 in regards to a shooting on 501 West Cherry Street. Officers arrived at the end of a house party to find Jackson with a life-threatening gunshot wound in the yard where she was immediately transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and life-saving efforts were exhausted. The shooting was a result of feuding between two rival groups at the time of the incident.
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Since the incident occurred, the Carbondale Police Department has been working to find answers for the family of Jackson. Reno explained that the department conducted over 100 interviews with witnesses and suspects to obtain as much evidence as possible and piece together the events during the night of the shootings.
“The investigation quickly began with the investigations bureau here at the Carbondale Police Department, SIU public safety, State Police [and] the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. After hundreds of interviews and a lot of work we eventually arrived at this point,” Cervantez said. “So at this point, the defendant, Mr. Nesby, is detained and his first [court] appearance will be September 4th here in Jackson County, at the Jackson County Courthouse.”
After the conference adjourned, Jackson’s mother and aunt sat down to answer questions and address how this has affected them. They both shared about Jackson’s personality and her goals.
Her aunt, Kechell White, said she is “very hopeful” and “very grateful.”
“We’re just grateful even hearing that charges were made today and there were some type of records,” she said. “We’re very hopeful. We’re happy. We’re glad. We’re just happy about everything that is taking place as of right now.”
Cervantez said he was interviewed by a local news station about a year after the shooting.
“During that interview, I remember specifically stating that I was confident that we would see an investigation through,” he said.
“The story is senseless and tragic. The lesson is fairly simple, don’t shoot in Jackson County because when you do you’re going to be held accountable,” Cervantez said.
Cervantez and Reno opened the meeting for questions after they finished speaking. They provided the information that Nesby has no affiliation with the University. They also addressed a question pertaining to remaining safe at large events.
“The more people that care about the community and the safety of their streets and their neighborhoods, the quicker we solve these crimes. So my advice to anybody who is going to parties or get-togethers is to know who’s there, and when you suspect something, because we all do, don’t be afraid to reach out. We all have to stay invested in us, pick up the phone and don’t be afraid to build that relationship with your local police officer,” Cervantez said.
Nesby will appear for the first time regarding the case at the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro, Illinois on September 4. The Carbondale Police Department, State Police, FBI, Jackson County Sheriff’s office and the SIU Department of Public Safety are continuing to investigate this case.
According to Illinois Department of Corrections online records Nesby is currently serving a 10 year sentence on a charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm at Western Illinois Corrections Center.
Staff reporter Alli Goering can be reached at [email protected]. To stay up to date on all your southern Illinois news, be sure to follow The Daily Egyptian on Facebook and on X @dailyegyptian.
Editors Note: This story has been changed to update the correct date of Keavonte Nesby’s court appearance on Sept. 4
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