Madison Youth Football Shooting: Police Release Person of Interest Photos as Search for Answers Continues

Investigators have released photographs of a person of interest in the deadly Madison, Illinois, youth football shooting that killed Steve A. Smith and injured three others. Authorities are asking the public for help.

Investigators Release Photos in Madison Football Shooting

Authorities investigating the deadly shooting at a youth football championship in Madison, Illinois, have released photographs of a man they want to identify and question. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is asking members of the public to help identify the individual as detectives continue working to establish what happened.

The shooting occurred on November 1, 2026, during a youth football league championship game at Madison Senior High School. Four people were shot. One victim, identified as 64-year-old Steve A. Smith of St. Charles, Missouri, died at the scene. Three others were taken to area hospitals and were reported in stable condition.

Description of the Person Investigators Want to Identify

According to information released by investigators, the individual pictured is described as a Black man believed to be approximately 30 to 40 years old. He is estimated to be between 6 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall and has a heavy build.

The Major Case Squad wants to speak with him as part of its ongoing investigation. Authorities have not publicly identified him, and being described as a person of interest does not mean he has been charged with a crime or established to be responsible for the shooting.

FBI Assists as Investigators Review Digital Evidence

The FBI Springfield Field Office is assisting the Major Case Squad with collecting photographs, videos and other digital evidence. Investigators have asked people who attended the game to submit recordings taken before, during or shortly after the shooting.

Even footage that does not directly show the gunfire could help detectives identify people, vehicles or other details relevant to the investigation. More than 80 leads had been worked by November 5, with 24 investigators assigned to the case, according to local reporting.

How to Provide Information

Anyone who recognizes the person in the released photographs or has information about the shooting can contact:

• Major Case Squad: 618-709-7750

• Crime Stoppers: 1-866-371-8477

• FBI digital evidence portal: Submit photographs and videos

The FBI Springfield Office has also announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible

Community Seeks Answers After Deadly Youth Sports Event

The shooting has brought grief and concern to families, young athletes and residents who expected the championship game to be a celebration of youth sports. Instead, the incident left one person dead and three others injured.

Investigators continue to seek information that could help establish the circumstances of the shooting and identify those responsible. Members of the public who attended the event are being urged not to dismiss seemingly minor photographs, videos or observations that could assist the investigation.

Incident Summary: A shooting at a youth football championship game at Madison Senior High School left Steve A. Smith, 64, dead and three other people injured.

Investigation: The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI Springfield Field Office.

Person of Interest: Authorities have released photographs of a man they want to identify and question. No guilt or criminal involvement has been established.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information released by law enforcement and published news reports. The person pictured in the released photographs is being sought for identification and questioning. Being described as a person of interest does not establish that the individual committed a crime or was involved in the shooting. The investigation remains active, and no conclusion about responsibility should be drawn before authorities establish the facts.