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

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

East St. Louis is a small city facing St. Louis, Missouri, across the Mississippi River.

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 stopped a vehicle (at the scene) and apprehended the suspects."

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

This is being interpreted as an indication that the shooting was not a random crime, but a targeted attack against the family.