ALTON, IL — July 4, 2025 – A community is in mourning and outrage after a 17-year-old girl lost her life in what Alton police are calling a “senseless shooting” early Friday morning. The fatal incident unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. in the 900 block of Oakwood Avenue, shattering the peace of a quiet neighborhood and prompting a multi-agency response.

First Responders Fought to Save Her Life

Alton Police officers were the first on the scene, where they discovered the teenage girl suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers administered lifesaving first aid until Alton firefighters and paramedics arrived and took over emergency care.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital, but due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis, where she later succumbed to her wounds. Her identity has not yet been publicly released out of respect for the family and ongoing investigation.

Investigation Underway, Person of Interest Identified

The Illinois State Police joined Alton officers at the scene to process evidence and assist in the investigation. Law enforcement from multiple nearby agencies provided support with scene security and perimeter control, underscoring the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

Alton Police say they have already identified a person of interest in the case. In a decisive move Friday, the Metro East SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Oakwood Estates housing complex, a short distance from where the shooting took place. However, the person of interest was not located during the operation.

Authorities are continuing to follow leads and are actively working to track down the individual, whose name has not yet been released.

A Tragedy That Should Never Have Happened

In a somber statement released Friday afternoon, the Alton Police Department expressed their grief and frustration:

“This is yet another senseless shooting with an innocent life lost,” the department wrote.

“The Alton Police Department sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”

The loss of a young life has shaken the Alton community, especially as the shooting comes during what should have been a time of celebration on the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Neighbors and residents nearby described being jolted awake by the sound of gunfire, followed by the chaos of sirens and flashing lights.

Community Asked to Come Forward

Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything, or who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the person of interest, to step forward. Tips can be provided anonymously, and any information, no matter how small, could prove crucial.

To contact Alton Police:

•Call: 618-463-3505, ext. 671

•Anonymous Tip Line: 618-465-5948

As the investigation continues, grief counselors and victim advocates have been made available to the victim’s family and classmates, many of whom are devastated by the sudden and violent loss of a young woman with her life ahead of her.

This heartbreaking event adds to a growing list of gun violence cases impacting communities across the region and the nation, prompting renewed calls for action, awareness, and support.

If you know something, say something. A family is mourning tonight — and your voice could help bring justice.