A teenager from Marion has been charged as an adult for multiple Carbondale shootings in December of last year. The statement from Jackson County State’s Attorney, Joseph Cervantez, says that Brennen Gibbs, age 17, faces charges of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Firearm stemming from two incidents. The first on December 19th in the 500 block of South Forest Street in Carbondale and the second on December 24th in the 400 block of West Pecan. Similar shootings were reported in Herrin and Marion earlier that night and authorities suspected that they were related to the Carbondale shootings. No injuries were reported and suspects were not located in any of the incidents. It was on January 8th, when Williamson County Deputies located a vehicle of interest. Suspects attempted to flee but were eventually arrested by authorities.
State’s Attorney Cervantez petitioned the Court to transfer Gibbs’ charges to adult court. The judiciary granted the request.
State’s Attorney Cervantez thanked Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their response and resolve in this situation. Cervantez said, “ The cooperation among law enforcement professionals from Jackson County and Williamson County is key to keeping violent offenders off of the street. We’ll continue working together to keep Southern Illinois a safe community”
Chief Reno said, “The Carbondale Police Department is thankful to State’s Attorney Cervantez, and the judiciary for holding this violent offender accountable for his actions. I want all violent offenders to know that if they commit violent crimes in Carbondale, they will be held accountable regardless of their age status. I appreciate the assiduous decision making by the State’s Attorney to use statutory tools in order to send the message that violent offenders will be prosecuted.”
State’s Attorney Cervantez emphasized that “the charges filed are not evidence of guilt—a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which this office has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
