EDWARDSVILLE, IL – 18-Year-Old Charged in Deadly July 4 Shooting That Claimed the Life of 17-Year-Old Shabrya Hudson
The city of Alton is grappling with shock and sorrow following the tragic death of Shabrya L. Hudson, a 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot on Independence Day in the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex. What should have been a day of celebration turned into one of heartbreak and horror when a bullet, intended for someone else, tore through an apartment wall and ended her life.
On Tuesday, July 8, authorities announced that Joshua L. Glen-Colley, an 18-year-old resident of Alton, had been formally charged in connection with the shooting. Glen-Colley, who resides in the 700 block of Oakwood Estates, faces two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons.
The charges, initially sealed, were made public Tuesday afternoon. If convicted of the most serious charges, enhanced by the use of a firearm, Glen-Colley could face 25 years to life in prison.
According to the Alton Police Department and charging documents, the fatal shooting took place around the 900 block of Oakwood Avenue Estates. Glen-Colley allegedly opened fire outside a building, aiming at an individual with whom he had a dispute. However, one of the bullets entered a nearby apartment and struck Shabrya Hudson, who was inside. Authorities confirmed she was not the intended target, and was merely sitting in her home — an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford issued a powerful and emotional statement following the arrest:
“On July 4th, a day when families in this city were gathering to celebrate freedom and community, Shabrya Hudson, a 17-year-old young woman — an innocent child — was gunned down while sitting inside her own home in the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex,” Ford said. “She wasn’t involved in any dispute. She wasn’t standing outside. She wasn’t a target. She was simply sitting in her residence … and now she’s gone.”
Court records further allege that Glen-Colley discharged the firearm knowing the building was occupied, and he was illegally in possession of a 9mm handgun despite being under the legal age of 21 to possess such a weapon. He was remanded to custody and remains jailed without bond.
In addition to Glen-Colley, a 23-year-old woman was also charged in relation to the case. Prosecutors allege she knowingly provided false information to law enforcement during the investigation. According to the criminal complaint, she misled police on July 7 by claiming she had dropped Glen-Colley off at another location, attempting to shield him from arrest. She has been charged with obstruction of justice, a Class 4 felony, but has since been released from custody pending further proceedings.
The senseless killing of Shabrya Hudson has sent ripples of grief and outrage throughout Alton and Madison County. Friends, teachers, and family members remember Shabrya as a bright, kind-hearted teenager who had plans for her future and a smile that could light up any room. She had just turned 17 and was looking forward to finishing high school.
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders and residents are calling for greater accountability and action to address escalating gun violence — particularly in areas already plagued by socioeconomic challenges.
A candlelight vigil and balloon release are being organized by local youth leaders and community activists to honor Shabrya’s life and demand justice in her name. Her family, now left to mourn her death under unfathomable circumstances, has asked for privacy as they make funeral arrangements.
This case remains under active investigation by the Alton Police Department and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
As the community struggles to come to terms with this loss, one thing is painfully clear: another young life has been stolen, and a family will never be the same.