Mass shooting at New Year's party leaves two dead and five injured in Kankakee

In Illinois, a tragic shooting unfolded during a New Year’s party held at a residence on Pierson Parkway in Kankakee. The incident occurred in the early hours, around 4:05 a.m., when police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene, with many partygoers fleeing the area. Four victims suffering from gunshot wounds were found at the scene and were swiftly transported to local hospitals, while an additional three individuals took themselves to the hospitals for treatment. Sadly, two of the victims were later pronounced dead. The victims have been identified as Quaysean T. Isom, 22, a resident of Kankakee, and Trevontae C. Ellis, 20, from Pembroke Township. The Kankakee County Coroner’s office confirmed their identities following the tragic event, which left the community in shock. Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis expressed his heartbreak over the incident, suggesting that it could have been preventable. He noted that the house party had been ongoing for several hours and had previously received complaints regarding loud noise that disturbed the neighborhood. Witness reports indicated that most attendees were reluctant to cooperate with police investigations, with many claiming they did not see anything relevant. This lack of cooperation is particularly troubling for law enforcement as they strive to uncover the details and motives behind the shooting. In a pursuit of justice, police recovered two firearms and multiple shell casings from the scene, heightening concerns about gun violence prevalent during social gatherings, especially those involving younger demographics. The tragic event has sparked renewed conversations about gun control and the safety of community events. Mayor Curtis’s statements reflect a broader concern among leaders about the risk factors associated with house parties and gatherings, particularly when they escalate to violence. He appealed to the community for better accountability and cooperation, emphasizing the need for collective action in ensuring neighborhood safety. As investigations continue, local authorities are urging anyone with information about the event to come forward to help build a clearer understanding of the circumstances leading up to the shooting.