Teen Charged as Adult in Alton School Bus Shooting

Legal Proceedings in Alton Shooting Case

A 17-year-old resident of Wood River, Jayvon R. Walton, has been charged as an adult with attempted murder following a shooting incident involving an Alton school bus on February 26. The case marks a significant shift in the legal process, as Walton was initially charged as a juvenile but now faces serious criminal charges.

Walton, who resides on the 700 block of State Street in Wood River, was charged on July 29 with attempted first-degree murder, a Class X felony; aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony; and two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons, both Class 4 felonies. These charges were brought by the Alton Police Department, which has been handling the investigation into the incident.

Earlier, another individual, Daniel G. Coalan, 18, of Alton, was charged on March 3 with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class X felony, and other related offenses. Coalan is currently awaiting trial and has also been charged with mob action in two separate incidents at the Madison County Jail. At the time of the shooting, a then-16-year-old juvenile was also charged, though details about those charges were not immediately available. Walton was 16 at the time of the alleged offense.

Transfer to Adult Court

At a hearing held on Monday, Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Voudrie successfully argued that Walton’s case should be transferred to adult court. Associate Judge John Hackett granted the prosecution’s request, allowing the case to proceed in adult court. This decision reflects the severity of the charges and the potential for a more severe sentence if convicted.

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine expressed strong support for the ruling, emphasizing the importance of school safety and the need to hold young offenders accountable for their actions. “When young offenders choose to involve themselves in adult-level violence, we are prepared to ask the Court to try them as adults,” Haine stated in a written release. He praised Judge Hackett’s decision, calling it “judicious and reasonable.”

Details of the Incident

According to the new charges, Walton shot at a 16-year-old student with the intent to kill the victim. He also fired a gun in the direction of the victim and was in possession of a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine while under 21 years of age and without a valid concealed carry permit. As a result of these charges, Walton was ordered to be remanded to jail.

Haine noted that in juvenile court, the most severe possible sentence is detention at a juvenile facility until the minor reaches the age of 21. However, the most serious charge—attempted first-degree murder—is a Class X felony that could result in up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Background of the Shooting

The incident occurred around 6:42 p.m. on February 26 in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Alton. According to police reports and a petition filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, an Alton School bus was dropping off night school students when “multiple individuals” began shooting in the direction of one of the students who had just exited the bus.

Neither the bus nor the student was struck. The bus driver quickly drove to a safe location and followed all safety protocols. The victim provided police with the names of people he had recently had altercations with, including associates of the defendant.

Police contacted Coalan’s mother, who told them that she had dropped the two individuals off at the corner of Easton and 11th Street shortly before the shooting. Video surveillance showed the two at multiple locations along the route. Claims by Walton that he was dropped off with Coalan but then became separated from him were refuted by the video evidence.

According to a statement from police, it was clear that a specific person was being targeted. While no one was injured, there were accounts of several near-misses, and the incident led to a march against gun violence in the area.

Ongoing Legal Process

It is important to note that all individuals involved in this case have only been charged and remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The legal process continues as authorities work to ensure justice is served.