CHARLESTON, Mo. (WSIL) — A 21-year-old Southern Illinois man was killed late Friday night following a shooting that ended with a vehicle crashing into a fence, according to authorities.
The Charleston Police Department said officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 in the area of South Locust Street and South Green Street. When police arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a fence behind a home in the 300 block of South Franklin Street.
Officers found a deceased man inside the vehicle, later identified as Tristen Mackins, 21, of Mounds, Illinois.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling eastbound on West Cypress Street when one or more suspects opened fire. Police said the driver lost control, left the roadway, struck an electric pole, and then crashed into a fence.
Investigators believe the homicide may be connected to at least two recent violent incidents in Charleston. One involved a homicide on Dec. 17, 2025. Another occurred earlier on Dec. 26 around 1:00 a.m., when a residence was struck by multiple gunshots, leaving two people injured.
The Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are assisting with the investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident or the recent shootings to contact the Department of Public Safety at (573) 683-3737.
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