Judge Douglas Gruenke found probable cause to hold 21-year-old Shavonte Samuels of Centralia on nine charges, including first degree murder, following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Samuels was arrested in connection with the death of 19-year-old Steven McCary of Centralia in an April shooting in the 900 block of East Kell in Centralia. Other charges include attempted murder for gunshots that hit Lorenzo Williams of Centralia in the abdomen and Aaryanna Jackson of Centralia in the hair.
The lead Illinois State Police agent on the case, Rick Stanley, led the judge through the investigation and where the three shootings are believed to have occurred before Samuels left the scene in a vehicle. He said a Glock pistol was recovered along with more than 20 shell casings.
On cross examination, Defense Attorney Dennis Hatch questioned with more than 20 shell casings recovered, how police know from what gun they were fired.
Samuel’s jury trial was set for July 13th. He waived formal arraignment on the charges.
Samuels will remain held without bond as the case moves forward as Hatch did not ask to reargue that issue after probably cause was found.
