Four individuals were identified as sustaining gunshot wounds and were treated at area hospitals. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. Two women were found shot in St. Joseph Township, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old . Date of Occurrence: August 9, 2014, at approximately 10:03 a.m. There were more violent crimes including homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault in the two cities in 2020 than at any time since 2010, according to the FBI data. 82 E. University Ave. The dumpster in which Christensen placed Zhang's remains was emptied three days later and the contents taken to a private landfill in Vermilion County, compacted at least twice, spread over an area fifty yards wide, and subsequently buried under thirty feet of garbage. Nearly half of US murders going unsolved, data show When officers investigated, they found Mr. Scheel to have apparent injuries and was determined to be deceased. I find it embarrassing, said Griffet, who said theres a large number of young men involved in gun violence for whom diplomacy is a foreign concept. Feb 20, 2015 at 10:25 am. [13], The leasing agent sent a text message to her at approximately 2:38p.m., but received no reply. People who live in Champaign County generally consider the southeast part of the county to be the safest for this type of crime. Two individuals arrested for involvement in Champaign homicide Christensen was tried and convicted of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to agents of the FBI, but the jury deadlocked on whether or not to impose the death penalty. The day after he killed Zhang, Christensen claimed he put Zhang's dismembered body in three separate garbage bags which he then disposed of in the dumpster outside of his apartment. Miller was arrested in the 1100 block of North James Street, Champaign. His mother said a bullet to the abdomen took him away from her. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Location of Occurrence: 1100 block of S. Randolph St., Champaign. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. CPD Detectives are dedicated to investigating every lead possible to help bring justice to individuals, families, and to our community when it is impacted by crime and violence. Dave Griffet, a police officer for 30 years. [28] Christensen's attorney Evan Bruno argued that he should be released on bail due to his lack of criminal record and his ties to the local community. Illinois vs. Michigan basketball video highlights, score, live updates Gun sales also soared during the pandemic, and 77 percent of the homicides last year were committed with a firearm. 2022 Safe Places to Live in Champaign County, IL - Niche [26], Investigators interviewed Christensen on June 12, 2017, and inspected his car. On May 5, 2019, at approximately 1:49 a.m., Champaign Police responded to an apartment complex parking lot in the 400 block of Edgebrook Dr. following reports of a shooting. Foul play is suspected. Chicago Tribune. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign relies on a number of people to not only comply with the act, but also go beyond federal mandates in providing students, faculty and staff with information about public safety issues on campus. Your chance of being a victim of murder in Champaign may be as high as 1 in 9,241 in the east neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 26,751 in the south . Jazmin Pazmino - Instructor - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Date of Occurrence: January 25, 1994, approximately 5:54p.m. Crime Junkie Podcast "We're in a war when you think of homicide as a conflict, and we don't have enough boots on the ground," Hargrove said. Michigan leads Illinois 23-21 with 7:50 left in the first half. Champaign County, IL Murder Rates and Murder Maps New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. [30], On June 30, the FBI arrested Christensen and charged him with kidnapping under Title 18 U.S.C. Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. While most rates are declining, homicides tripled between 2018 and 2019. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Urbana, is 1 in 35. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. in our local parks & preserves. This week, the man accused of raping and murdering Wesselman was sentenced to 80 years in prison. You can also share information anonymously toChampaign County Crime Stoppers. Champaign, IL . New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. Calendar of Events - Visit Champaign County - Outside Of Ordinary PEORIA, Ill. (WLS) -- During opening statements in the trial of a man accused of killing a Chinese scholar at the University of Illinois Wednesday, the defense for Brendt Christensen acknowledged. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Over the next two days, Christensen claimed he disposed of Zhang's personal belongings in various dumpsters in the Champaign-Urbana area. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217- 373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or the P3 Tips mobile app. The Clery Act is a federal law that requires universities to collect and report crime statistics and campus safety policies. Minutes later, a passing motorist used Tatmans squad car radio to notify dispatch that there was an unresponsive policeman lying near his vehicle. Date of Occurrence: Found March 18, 2012 Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Homicide numbers were at a 10-year high in Springfield, Decatur and Kankakee. Upon arrival, officers located Acarrie Ingram-Triner, 19, of Champaign, with a life-threatening gunshot wound to her lower neck. Location of Occurrence: 1300 block of N. Chestnut St., Champaign. [2], On June 14, investigators reviewed the surveillance video footage and observed that the car's sunroof was similar to the one on Christensen's car. According to our research of Illinois and other state lists, there were 133 registered sex offenders living in Champaign, Illinois as of March 04, 2023. Policing must continue to be part of the solution to crime prevention, as well as programs like one being tried in Urbana where a police officer and a social worker will follow up on people involved in mental-health and behavioral-health crises. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). People want to show off what they have. The number of homicides stood at 2 - a decrease of 5 compared to 2018. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WAND) - Authorities have arrested a suspect in a Champaign County homicide investigation. "Brendt Christensen" redirects here. [], On November 12, 2020, at approximately 5:17 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of the 600 block of East Eureka Street for a reported shooting. The victim was rushed to a local hospital; however, he did not survive his injuries. Location of Occurrence: 1700 block of Gentry Square Ln., Champaign. I just think the situations presented themselves during a pandemic, he said. Click here to see our subscription options. The Champaign Police Department, alone, removed 165. If a photo is mailed in, please let us know if you would like it to be returned and include a return address. Date of Occurrence: September 19, 1997, at approximately 1:40p.m. Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. Champaign police said Friday that Keonte Campbell, 35, who is currently serving a prison sentence for selling crack cocaine, has been charged with the fatal shooting of Dehrone Hobbs, 38. Low 32F. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)- The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. Christensen was found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. What a game', 'Craziness' of Illini helps secure double overtime win, Editorial | White Castle ruling leaves bad taste in business community's mouth, New Illini-centered name, image, likeness collective targets big-dollar donations, Man charged in connection with 35 pounds of cannabis in his home. Nov. 26: Alan T. Harden, 31, of Decatur, shot multiple times in the 2500 block of Leeper Court; no arrests. Date of Occurrence: February 15, 2006, at approximately 11:25 a.m. Mr. #6 Best Places to Live in Champaign County. . Low 32F. As for the pandemic being a reason for the increased killings, Griffet isnt convinced. The son, and father of two, was 22 years old. Compare Champaign crime data to other cities, states, and neighborhoods in the U.S. on NeighborhoodScout. Nov. 13: Shawntiel Harrison, 30, of Champaign, found shot in the head in a car in the 300 block of East Hill Street; no arrests. Date/Time of Occurrence: November 25, 1967, at approximately 1:00 a.m. As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. Zhang has one younger brother, Zhengyang. 1. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that on . . A rough year for gunfire, deaths in Champaign County, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? 7:00pm - 10:00pm. June 3, 2023. A press release from CPD says the findings are consistent with crime trends nationwide. Man Arrested After Teen Found Dead In Urbana Ditch Mr. Beasley was found in the street with apparent gunshot wounds. Peaceful Views. DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A Champaign man has been convicted for his role in the murder of two men in Danville more than five years ago. Griffet heads up the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency body of area detectives who investigate drug offenses. Larry Leon McNelly, 59, 9/10/2019 Tamms, Alexander County, IL - missing, found murdered: unsolved. Description: Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East Hill St. for the report of an individual believed to be deceased inside of a motor vehicle. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. Seems like theres a curse in this town, seems like theres a dark cloud, Hoff told WCIA 3 Thursday. [39][4] During sentencing deliberations, the jury could not unanimously agree to sentence Christensen to death. Man dies in fatal shooting | WOPULAR [12] As the hours passed, Zhang's friends, aware of her errand and expecting her to return quickly, grew increasingly worried. July 1: Todd Ledbetter, 56, homeless of Champaign, beaten to death; found on a bench on State Street, across from West Side Park in Champaign; no arrests. [2][33] Christensen had no prior criminal record and no record of disciplinary problems at the university. [40][41], Following the trial, prosecutors revealed information about Zhang's remains that Christensen divulged through his attorneys in November 2018 under an immunity agreement. Judge Roger Webber said surveillance video from the area where Darin Mitchell, 48, of Champaign, was shot on Aug. 23 . Public Schools. Aug. 20: Jasma Cobb, 34, of Urbana, shot to death outside a house in the 400 block of East Hill Street, where a relative had died of natural causes; two others wounded; no arrests. Long denied bail for Christensen after hearing submissions from the prosecutor and Christensen's attorneys, Evan and Tom Bruno. $48/person. All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. [48], A documentary about Zhang's parents' search for justice, Finding Yingying, premiered at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival on August 27, 2020[49] and was released on December 11, 2020, by MTV Documentary Films. 12 Unsolved Murders in Illinois since 1974 | HuffPost Chicago The lobby was dark and smelled of cigarettes smoke. Date of Occurrence: July 1, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m. Cello12345. Murders, shootings in Champaign hit all-time high in 2021 Latest I-72 Champaign Illinois News Reports. The Zhang family donated an initial gift of $30,000 to the fund with an additional $24,000 contributed from more than 440 donors. Upon arrival, Mr. McKinney was found lying in the open doorway of his home, with an apparent gunshot wound. [18] On July 14 the reward was increased to $50,000. Learn More. 77 people were shot in Champaign last year. They concluded that the car in the footage belonged to Christensen. 5:30pm. 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Agents took possession of computers and a cellphone belonging to Christensen, and subsequently sought and obtained a federal search warrant for a forensic examination of the phone. [2][27], During questioning on June 15, Christensen admitted that he had given an Asian female a ride,[12] but said that he dropped her off after only a few blocks when a wrong turn caused her to panic. 500 E. Peabody Dr. Champaign, Illinois 61820 . Thats not what were talking about. [42][43] In October 2019, Christensen was transferred to FTC Oklahoma City for evaluation and processing. at Parkland College Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, CHAMPAIGN Illinois. Champaign man who fatally shot friend outside American Legion gets 65 years. Location of Occurrence: 100 block of S. Kenwood Rd., Champaign. Communication or a physical encounter is not something they wish to partake in, he theorized. According to police, on December 8, Police arrested Arieana F. Colbert,. [2] The MTD stated it is against company policy to stop for pedestrians on the wrong side of the street, as to do so would encourage them to run into oncoming traffic. It was higher than in 89.5% U.S. cities. 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min Previously, he was a news producer and manager at the NBC station in Dallas, where he won 7 Emmy awards. [44] Christensen was transferred to USP Coleman II in Florida in early 2020. People who live in Champaign generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. In Illinois, the homicide rate was 9.1 per 100,000 people, the highest rate since 1996. Upon arrival, officers located 34-year-old Latoya Gwin [], On October 20, 2021, at approximately 10:37 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 200 block ofKenwoodRoad for the report of a shooting with injuries. Champaign police said Friday that Keonte Campbell, 35, who is currently serving a prison sentence for selling crack cocaine, has been charged with the fatal shooting of Dehrone Hobbs, 38. He also doesnt believe its a gang problem per se, but rather, allegiances among friends. Law enforcement agencies then placed Christensen under continuous surveillance, beginning on or about June 16. The 34-year-old female, identified as Ms. Cobb, succumbed to her injuries a short time after the incident occurred. Police investigations Lt. Ben Newell credited really good investigative work by Detective Steve Vogel in closing what had been considered a cold case. Upon arrival, Mr. McKinney was found lying in the open doorway of his home, with an apparent gunshot wound. Cain was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he will remain pending future court proceedings. March 29: Kimberly Coyne, 54; and her daughter Blair Coyne, 24, shot in their home in the 1600 block of County Road 2200 E, northwest of St. Joseph; Jonathan Perry, 29, awaiting trial for their murders. On Friday morning, bicyclists found a body laying in a ditch along East Washington Street in Urbana. The investigation revealed the victims were outside of a private residence standing near a parked car when they were shot by unknown assailant(s) from an open area across the street. Date of Occurrence: October 30, 2018, at approximately 8:44 p.m. His wife was out of town the weekend of the murder. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. 2. Champaign and Urbana mirrored the national trends. Hinamatsuri: Japanese Doll Festival (Sold Out) at Japan House, Urbana IL. He is the brother of Keith Campbell, 30, who is awaiting trial for murder in the July 2018 fatal shooting of Martez Taylor outside a house party in Urbana. Police plea for more witnesses of gun-related crime to come forward, something they say is a primary hindrance in solving cases. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. 2019 Aug 6, 2019; . Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Champaign man convicted of murder in 2018 shooting outside Legion Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on November 25, Tatman radioed dispatch that he was stopping a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old male suffering from a single life-threatening gunshot wound to the chest. Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Your chance of being a victim of murder in Champaign County may be as high as 1 in 9,135 in the central neighborhoods, or as . Description: An officer was flagged down to check on an individual who had been found unconscious behind a building in the 00-100 block of E. Springfield Avenue. The CDC tracks murders by analyzing information contained in death . New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden.