New arrest made in deadly Mt. Vernon shooting

MT. VERNON, Ill. (WCIA) — A 26-year-old was arrested Tuesday in connection to a deadly shooting in Mt. Vernon last week.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department said Jamaro Kemmerling from Mt. Vernon has been charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender.

Kemmerling was denied pretrial release during a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 6.

On Sunday, July 27, police responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of S 15th St. and Lamar Ave. around 12:50 a.m. When officers arrived, they found several individuals with gunshot wounds. Later, police said two people had died from their injuries. They were later identified as 20-year-old Zomarrius Williams from Mt. Vernon and 26-year-old Demonta Woodward from Mounds.

One person was arrested and had originally been facing charges of reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. But on Monday the Jefferson County State’s Attorneys Office asked the judge to dismiss the case, which the court granted. The State’s Attorney’s Office said this will give law enforcement a chance to investigate further.

This is still an ongoing investigation. Police added that they anticipate more arrests and charges to come as they learn more. Anyone with more information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Mt. Vernon Police Department at 618-242-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 618-242-8477 (TIPS). Police added that all people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.