East St. Louis, Illinois – Illinois State Police arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with a 2025 homicide investigation.
According to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, special agents arrested Corey C. Ayers, 30, of East St. Louis, on Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder, a Class M felony.
Authorities allege Ayers is responsible for the shooting death of Jamay D. Dukes, 22, of Granite City.
Investigators said the case began on April 1, 2025, when the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis requested assistance from ISP with a homicide investigation. Dukes had been dropped off at Touchette Regional Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead.
According to Illinois State Police, the exact location of the shooting was not immediately known. However, an extensive investigation by the Major Case Squad later traced the incident to the 700 block of Veronica Avenue in East St. Louis, where Ayers was allegedly identified as a suspect.
Officials said the investigation continued for months before the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office on March 2, 2026, which approved one count of first-degree murder and issued an arrest warrant.
On March 3, Illinois State Police special agents, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, located and arrested Ayers.
Authorities said Ayers was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail, where he is awaiting his first court appearance.
The case remains under investigation.
The incident may also affect students, young workers, and commuters who frequently travel through the Veronica Avenue area of East St. Louis.
Officials emphasized that the charge is an allegation, and Ayers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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