WASHINGTON PARK, IL — Two Illinois teens were recently arrested and face murder charges in connection with a killing earlier this year, according to state police.
Brandon Bland Jr., 18, of East St. Louis, is charged with first-degree murder and Maliyah Lancaster, 19, of Washington Park, is charged with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a machine gun or automatic weapon, police said.
The charges stem from the killing of Eric Swearengen, 22, of St. Louis, who came under gunfire around 10:20 p.m. Aug. 1 on North 46th Street in Washington Park, according to police. He was traveling with a passenger and tried to drive away but quickly crashed and died at the scene, police said.
Bland was quickly identified in connection with the case and charged, while Lancaster wasn't charged until Friday, according to police. Both were arrested on Thursday, police said.
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