Shooting in Centralia Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

State Police investigating incident on East Kell Street on Sunday afternoon

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:56am

An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on the ground, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the crime scene.The harsh flash photography of a key piece of physical evidence from the Centralia shooting underscores the gritty reality of gun violence in this community.Centralia Today

A shooting in Centralia, Illinois on Sunday afternoon has left one person dead and at least three others injured. The incident occurred in the 900 block of East Kell Street, and police from multiple agencies responded to the scene. The State Police is leading the investigation, and the Marion County Coroner has confirmed one fatality, though no further details have been released.

Why it matters

Gun violence and mass shootings continue to be a major public safety concern in communities across the United States. This incident in Centralia highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence and ensure the safety of all residents.

The details

According to reports, the shooting took place late Sunday afternoon in the 900 block of East Kell Street in Centralia. Multiple police agencies from the surrounding four-county area responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and crowd control. Portable lighting systems were brought in to allow the crime scene investigation to continue after dark. St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia was also reportedly locked down after the shooting victims were brought there for treatment.

  • The shooting occurred late Sunday afternoon in Centralia.
  • The Marion County Coroner was called to St. Mary's Hospital, where he pronounced one of the victims dead.

The players

Claude Howell

The Marion County Coroner who was called to the hospital and pronounced one of the shooting victims dead.

State Police

The lead investigative agency for the shooting incident in Centralia.

Centralia Police

The local police department that responded to the shooting and is assisting with the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The State Police, which is heading the investigation, asked the coroner not to release any further information.”

— Claude Howell, Marion County Coroner

What’s next

The State Police investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as the probe continues.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting in Centralia is a sobering reminder of the persistent issue of gun violence in communities across the country. As the investigation unfolds, local leaders and law enforcement will need to work together to address the underlying factors that contribute to such incidents and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents.