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Teen dead after gunfire incident

Details are sparse regarding a New Year's Day incident that left one local teenager dead from a suspected gunshot wound.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies responded just before 7 p.m. Jan. 1 to a reported home invasion south of Carbondale. The home's occupants reported two males forced their way inside and demanded money. A struggle ensued, and shots were fired before the suspects fled.

Minutes later, Carbondale Police received a report from Memorial Hospital of Carbondale of a male with a life-threatening injury. He later died from the wound.

The Times has confirmed with multiple sources that the identity of the deceased is Montavious Graham, 17.

The press release issued Thursday by the Sheriff's Office said "information suggests" the home invasion and the call to the hospital were related, although no further information linking the two was provided. The press release also was unclear as to whether the deceased was thought to be one of the assailants or one of the victims in the home invasion.

"I'm not far enough in the investigation," Jackson County Lt. Jon Kilquist told the Times Thursday in response to multiple questions.

Graham's aunt, Rosheka Graham, said initial information she received Wednesday indicated her nephew had been stabbed multiple times, but she later learned he had sustained a gunshot wound. She said the family is awaiting results from an upcoming autopsy, and she encouraged anyone with more information to contact authorities.