Three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the US fatal shooting of a teenage basketball player in what authorities describe as a case of mistaken identity.
Javan Moore, 21, faces first-degree murder charges as the alleged gunman in the death of Davell Holden, 16, who was killed on August 2 in South Holland, Illinois.
Two others have also been charged with felony murder: Demon Smith, 20, and a 16-year-old juvenile whose identity has not been released.
All three suspects reside in the neighbouring town of Phoenix, according to local police who announced the arrests earlier today.
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Holden had been a student at Thornwood High School, where he played basketball and would have entered his junior year this autumn.
The school, located in a suburb adjacent to Chicago's South Side, has a notable basketball pedigree, having produced former NBA first-overall draft selection Eddy Curry.
According to investigators, the teenager was visiting his girlfriend at the time of the shooting, on a street where the suspects' actual target had recently lived.
The young athlete was reportedly close to securing a place in Thornwood's starting lineup before his life was cut short.
Davell Holden, 16, died on August 2 in South Holland, Illinois
|He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
South Holland Mayor Don De Graff issued a statement following the arrests, describing the incident as deeply troubling.
The mayor said: "This was a tragic and sickening incident.
"While we are grateful to have made the arrests, we are deeply saddened for Davell's family and friends."
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Demon Smith (pictured) is the 20-year-old facing a first-degree murder charge
|SOUTH HOLDEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
He emphasised that the community remained united in supporting those affected by the loss.
De Graff added: "No family should ever experience this kind of loss, and our community stands with them during this difficult time."
The arrests come more than four months after the shooting, bringing some measure of resolution to a case that shocked the local community.
Holden's mother, Angela Birts, has spoken publicly about her grief in the months since her son's death.
Javan Moore (pictured), 21, and a 16-year-old were charged with felony murder in the case
|SOUTH HOLDEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
In a Facebook post last month, she wrote: "Mommy misses you so much son.
"Just know I'm always thinking about you and I know you're watching over me and your brother. I love you forever. The legend lives on! LLV#21."
Birts previously recounted to CBS News how she had tracked her son's location that evening to ensure he arrived safely, only to receive the devastating call shortly afterwards.
She told the broadcaster: "I just remember screaming, yelling, praying in the car on the way there like, 'Lord, please help my baby.'"
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