A shooting targeting a family in the U.S. state of Illinois has left five people dead and two injured.

The Associated Press reported on July 13 (local time) that the targeted shooting occurred on Sunday, July 12, at three locations, including a park in East St. Louis, located in the southwestern part of Illinois.

East St. Louis is a city with a population of 17,500, situated across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri.

According to local police, the shooting resulted in seven casualties, including five deaths.

The victims include one person in their 70s, one in their 40s, and three in their 20s.

Police have arrested two teenage suspects, aged 15 and 16.

Marcus May, a grieving family member, expressed his sorrow in an interview with local media, stating that he lost his entire family at once, including his mother, sister, and stepchildren.

Brendan Kelly, director of the Illinois State Police, stated, "This was a horrific and vicious act," adding that police were able to stop a vehicle and apprehend the suspects at the scene.

While Director Kelly did not disclose specific details, he mentioned that at least one of the suspects was related to the victimized family.

This was interpreted as an indication that the shooting was not a random act of violence, but a targeted attack against the family.

Courtney Hoffman, a local city council member, also remarked, "This is not a mass shooting that you have to worry about when you go to the grocery store," reinforcing that it was not a random act of violence.

Police are currently investigating the suspects to determine the motive for the crime, and local prosecutors are expected to decide on criminal charges around July 14.