Belleville Police Investigating Fatal Shooting of 19-Year-Old Dreshaun “5700Smoke” Mathis
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A community is mourning the loss of a young life after the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Dreshaun Mathis, also known by his nickname “5700Smoke.” The incident occurred Saturday evening in Belleville and remains under active investigation by local authorities.
The Shooting
According to a statement released by the Belleville Police Department, officers were first notified of the incident at approximately 7:20 p.m. Saturday. Police were dispatched to Memorial Hospital, where reports indicated a young man had arrived with a gunshot wound.
The victim was quickly identified as Dreshaun Mathis, a 19-year-old Belleville resident. Medical staff stabilized him before transferring him to a hospital in St. Louis for more advanced care. Despite the efforts of medical teams, Mathis succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased.
Investigation Underway
Through initial inquiries, investigators determined that the shooting occurred in the 500 block of North 38th Street in Belleville. Authorities have not yet disclosed how they connected the hospital case to that specific location, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear.
The Belleville Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Crime Scene Unit continue to investigate, processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. As of Sunday, police have released no information regarding a suspect or possible motive.
Community Shock and Mourning
News of Mathis’s death has spread quickly through Belleville and surrounding areas, sparking grief among family, friends, and community members. Known by many as “5700Smoke,” Dreshaun was remembered by peers for his energy, his passion for music, and the close bonds he shared with those around him.
On social media, friends and loved ones expressed heartbreak, sharing tributes and messages of remembrance with hashtags like #babybro and #knowwesmokinforever.
“This hurts in ways words can’t describe,” one post read. “You’ll never be forgotten, Smoke. Rest easy.”
Police Appeal for Information
The Belleville Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Detectives believe that even small details may help piece together what happened in the moments leading to Mathis’s death.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be vital to this investigation,” a spokesperson for the department said.
Tips can be provided directly to the Belleville Police Detective Bureau or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, Mathis’s family and friends are left to grapple with the sudden loss of a son, brother, and friend whose life ended far too soon. Vigils and tributes are expected in the coming days as the community comes together in mourning and remembrance.
For now, Belleville Police remain committed to finding answers and justice in the case, as loved ones seek comfort in honoring the memory of Dreshaun “5700Smoke” Mathis.