Cahokia Heights, Illinois – A violent confrontation inside a family home the night before Thanksgiving ended with one brother dead, a woman wounded, and a multi-location hostage crisis that stretched across St. Clair County, according to local authorities. Investigators say a fight between siblings turned deadly when one of them, injured and angry after being beaten, returned with a gun and opened fire before fleeing to another residence and holding a family hostage.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jerome Curry, is now facing a wide list of charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and illegal possession of a weapon as a previously convicted felon. Court records confirm he is scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday.
What Police Found at the First Crime Scene
Officers from the Cahokia Heights Police Department were dispatched to the 4900 block of Piggot Avenue after receiving a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they located a wounded woman hiding behind a car in the street. She had suffered gunshot injuries and told officers that the shooter had also attacked his brother inside the home.
Inside the residence, officers found Terrence Curry, who had been fatally shot. Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Jerome Curry had “shot his brother” during a confrontation, then fled in a vehicle.
How Police Tracked the Suspect Across Town
Roughly thirty minutes after the initial shooting, the Shiloh Police Department spotted a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. Officers followed it to a residence in the 2200 block of Birmingham Drive, about three miles away from the first location.
Authorities say Jerome Curry entered the home and held a family hostage while armed. Multiple agencies responded, and negotiators were brought in to manage the unfolding situation. After tense discussions, Curry eventually released the hostages and surrendered peacefully.
A Mother’s Pain and Public Accusations
As investigators documented the scene, the brothers’ mother, Valerie Curry, turned to social media to express her grief and anger over the events that unfolded. In a series of posts, she described a troubled stretch of recent weeks and the escalating behavior she had witnessed in her son.
“Terrence loved you more than you loved yourself and didn’t deserve what happened to him,” she wrote.
“He whooped you that day because you came over tripping real bad, but instead of taking that whooping you decided to shoot him.”
She went on to accuse Jerome of turning on his family, claiming he had been speaking about demons and distancing himself from loved ones. Her posts also made clear that she was cutting ties with her surviving son, saying she would no longer visit, write, or accept him back into the family.
Charges Filed and What Happens Next
Online court records indicate that Jerome Curry is charged with:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated discharge of a firearm
- Aggravated battery
- Possession of a weapon by a felon
He remains in custody and is expected in court on Monday for his next hearing.
Growing Concerns About Family Violence During Holiday Season
While authorities continue investigating what led to the fatal dispute, the case highlights a broader pattern often reported by law enforcement: domestic conflicts tend to rise around major holidays. High stress, strained relationships, and family tensions can create dangerous situations, particularly when weapons are present.
Officials encourage families to seek help early if they notice signs of escalating conflict, mental-health struggles, or behavioral changes in loved ones. Community support services, crisis hotlines, and local intervention programs continue to play a critical role in preventing violent incidents.
Community Reaction
Neighbors in the Cahokia Heights area expressed shock at the events that unfolded at two homes just before a holiday meant to bring families together. Several residents told police they heard loud noises and saw officers rushing into the neighborhood, but had no idea the situation involved a fatal shooting and a hostage standoff.
As the investigation continues, authorities are gathering additional statements from witnesses, reviewing physical evidence, and tracing the timeline leading up to the confrontation.
Conclusion
A night meant for family gatherings turned into a tragedy that left one man dead, another behind bars, and a mother publicly grieving the loss of one son while condemning the actions of the other. The case underscores the devastating impact domestic violence can have on entire families and communities.
If you live in the Cahokia Heights or St. Clair County area and witnessed any part of this incident, authorities encourage you to contact local police.
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