Major Case Squad Announces Charges In Pontoon Beach Homicide

PONTOON BEACH - Charges have been filed against four people in the July 26, 2026, homicide of Ceontae D. Matthews in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, after an investigation by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis that included 45 leads, interviews, and evidence collection, authorities announced.

The killing occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the 4000 block of Pontoon Road in Pontoon Beach. After what authorities described as a thorough investigation, the Major Case Squad presented the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, which filed the charges.

Those charged are:

• Davondrea L. Williams, 22, of East Saint Louis, Illinois, with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of unlawful use of weapons — machine gun, and one count of felon in possession of a weapon.

• Malik A. Simpson, 20, of Saint Louis, Missouri, with one count of aggravated battery and one count of obstructing justice.

• Deonna J. Williams, 24, of Granite City, Illinois, with one count of obstructing justice.

• Decarlon T. Traylor, 46, of East Saint Louis, Illinois, with one count of obstructing justice.

“The charges filed today reflect the strength of the partnerships that exist among law enforcement agencies throughout the region,” Haine said. “I appreciate the work of the Pontoon Beach Police Department, the Major Case Squad and every agency that assisted in this investigation. The residents of Madison County should know that when a violent crime occurs, law enforcement agencies work together seamlessly to pursue the facts and seek justice.”

Authorities said license plate reader technology played a crucial role in solving the case. Information developed through the technology was instrumental in advancing the investigation and identifying those responsible, according to the Major Case Squad.

The Major Case Squad thanked the Pontoon Beach Police Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, the Madison County Coroner’s Office, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office and the agencies that sent investigators to assist.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Major Case Squad command post at 618-931-5100, ext. 0, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

More like this:

Man Killed in Early Morning Pontoon Road Shooting

3 days ago

Chief Modrusic Commends Major Case Squad After Intense Regional Homicide Investigation

Yesterday

Major Case Squad Seeks Tips In Cahokia Heights Killing

2 days ago

Major Case Squad Activated: Teen Killed In Cahokia Heights Shooting

3 days ago

Attorney General Raoul Obtains 20-year Prison Sentence For Jefferson County Woman Convicted Of Second-Degree Murder

Jun 26, 2026