Three individuals, including a teenager, have been charged in the mistaken identity murder of a south suburban high school student and basketball player, officials announced Sunday.
Davell Holden, a 16-year-old student at Thornwood High School, was fatally shot on the evening of August 2 near 160th Place and Drexel Avenue in South Holland.
The Charges
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Javan Moore, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder as the alleged shooter.
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Demon Smith, 20, and a 16-year-old boy are both charged with felony murder.
All three suspects live in the south suburban Phoenix area, according to village officials.
A Fatal Case of Mistaken Identity
Officials stated that Holden was visiting his girlfriend, who lived on the same street where the suspects’ intended target had recently resided. The tragedy was compounded because Holden resembled their target.
The victim was killed because of this fatal error.
South Holland Mayor Don De Graff expressed profound sadness, calling the event a “tragic and sickening incident.”
“While we are grateful to have made the arrests, we are deeply saddened for Davell’s family and friends,” Mayor De Graff said.
A press conference regarding the case is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m.
South Holland police detectives have asked the public for any additional information. They can be reached at 708-331-3131, extension two.
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