Arrests Made In Teen's 'Tragic And Sickening' Murder, 'Disgustingly' A Case Of Mistaken Identity: Village

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL — Following what the Village of South Holland called a "massive investigation with thousands of man hours invested," three suspects have been arrested in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy, officials said Sunday.

Davell Holden, was fatally shot Aug. 2 in the 160th block of Drexel Avenue. Two adults—identified as 21-year-old Javan Moore and 20-year-old Demon Smith—have been arrested in connection with his death. A third suspect—a 16-year-old whose name has not been released—was also arrested, officials said. Moore, who is the alleged shooter, has been charged with first degree murder. Smith and the juvenile face charges of felony murder.

"Disgustingly, this is a case of mistaken identity," officials said Sunday. Holden, they said had been visiting his girlfriend who lived on the same street where the intended target had recently been, and "closely resembled him" in appearance, officials said.

“This was a tragic and sickening incident," said South Holland Mayor Don De Graff. "While we are grateful to have made the arrests, we are deeply saddened for Davell’s family and friends. No family should ever experience this kind of loss, and our community stands with them during this difficult time.”

The Village of South Holland thanked the members of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, which includes partners from the Illinois State Police, South Holland police detectives, as well as detectives from numerous south suburban municipalities. In addition, officials said, the Village is grateful for the significant effort exerted by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office that culminated in these charges being filed.

"South Holland is a community of faith, family, and future," Village Administrator J. Wynsma said. "This type of heinous crime will never be tolerated here.”

The Village had offered a $10,000 reward and partnered with Father Michael Pfleger, who jointly offered a reward for information leading to an arrest.

"From the moment the crime occurred, we were determined to bring the offenders to justice," said South Holland Police Chief Shawn Staples. "We will always pursue such offenders and put them behind bars. Our residents deserve nothing less."

Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact South Holland Police detectives at 708-331-3131, ext. 2.