Feb. 23: Tenesha Jenkins, 34, beaten and smothered in her home in the 2200 block of Dale Drive, Champaign; Antoine Craig,38, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. [42][43] In October 2019, Christensen was transferred to FTC Oklahoma City for evaluation and processing. 8 Famous Homicides In Illinois - OnlyInYourState Location of Occurrence: 2600 block of Lawndale Dr., Champaign Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. Domestic Violence Fatalities and Homicide Rates in Washington State A young man displays a certain gun on a video and someone else wants to mimic that. But criminologists noted that nationally, not all violent crimes increased, and property crime the most common type of crime actually decreased by 8 percent. Description: Officers responded to the 400 block of East Hill St. for reports of shots heard. Champaign man convicted in Danville double murder What police are finding is that not only are there more shootings, but there has been a significant increase in the amount of firepower. 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. Description: On December 8, 1995, Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Gentry Square Ln., for a person found deceased. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of West Vine St., Champaign. , University of . Date of Occurrence: November 13, 2020, at approximately 3:22 p.m. Confirmed shootings, homicides: 2020 2019. Partly cloudy skies. St. Louis experienced its highest murder rate in 50 years. Seating will be assigned for this event. Two individuals arrested for involvement in Champaign homicide Homicide of Montrez Vonner Date of Occurrence: March 11, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio employee Kathy Reiser. Listen Now Description: Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Roper for a reported armed home invasion. Taylor had just exited a cab and was walking away when he was struck from behind and battered by an unknown suspect who took his wallet and fled. Please provide the name and date of birth of your loved one. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male inside of a private residence with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Description: Officers were dispatched to assist Champaign Fire for a report of a deceased subject. He later told investigators that he may have been sleeping, or at home playing video games. 30-Year-Old Cold Case Rape & Murder of Kristy Wesselman Solved Officers learned the victim had sustained life-threatening injuries during this event and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. #6 Best Places to Live in Champaign County. That was the case in Champaign and Urbana, where property crimes last year amounted to about one-half the number during the peak years in the prior decade. Crime Junkie Podcast Non-emergency: 217-333-8911 The victim was rushed to a local hospital; however, he did not survive his injuries. You have permission to edit this article. Aug 18, 1978. 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. Champaign, IL 61820. The individual was [], On June 5, 2021, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of Fifth Street and Beardsley Avenue for a reported shooting. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Willy-Ann Hoff is a staple at C-U non-profit HV Neighborhood Transformation these days. For the last few years, its been known there are these high-powered weapons in the community and many of them are possessed by people not allowed to have them, he said. Newell declined to comment on a possible motive. Forensic evaluations returned to Police would determine that Ms. Butler had been sexually assaulted and that her death involved foul play. Perceptions of crime on trails vs. parks in minority neighborhoods as factors affecting recreation use. [12] Christensen's girlfriend was approached by FBI investigators and agreed to wear a wire, thinking that it would exonerate Christensen if he had not committed the crime. Gun sales also soared during the pandemic, and 77 percent of the homicides last year were committed with a firearm. People who live in Champaign generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. Champaign man who fatally shot friend outside American Legion gets 65 years. THE TWO POPES (2019) May 31, 2023. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Kidnapping resulting in death (18 U.S.C. [50], The case was re-enacted as "Far From Home" on the Investigation Discovery television network true crime series See No Evil in season 6, episode 5 (2020).[51]. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. 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 . Calendar of Events - Visit Champaign County - Outside Of Ordinary Its not necessarily about drugs or territory. [12] As the hours passed, Zhang's friends, aware of her errand and expecting her to return quickly, grew increasingly worried. This week, the man accused of raping and murdering Wesselman was sentenced to 80 years in prison. Urbana man charged with murder in 2019 shooting in west Champaign, 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? In early December 2019, Christensen reported to USP McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky to begin serving his life sentence. Date of Occurrence: January 25, 1994, approximately 5:54p.m. [23] However, they determined that there were 18 four-door Saturn Astras registered to owners in the Champaign County area. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of Forsynthia Dr., Champaign. But there was a distressing increase in violent crimes, particularly homicides. When questioned, Christensen reportedly claimed that he did not remember what he was doing at the time of Zhang's disappearance. Location of Occurrence: 300 block of East Hill St., Champaign. 7:00pm - 10:00pm. If you have any information about any incident, you can call police directly or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. Homicides were up almost 30 percent nationally, a total of 21,570 for the year. Born in Vietnam, Reginald is a graduate of the . Seems like theres a curse in this town, seems like theres a dark cloud, Hoff told WCIA 3 Thursday. April 11: Tearius Pettis, 15; shot as he rode a bicycle on South Philo Road; Troy Carter, 17, of Urbana, awaiting trial for murder. [2][33] Christensen had no prior criminal record and no record of disciplinary problems at the university. Crime rate in Urbana, IL - City-Data [31][12][32] The FBI report noted that in April, before the alleged kidnapping, Christensen used his cellphone to access the sexual fetish website Fetlife, visiting forums such as "Abduction 101". Date of Occurrence: December 18, 2004, at approximately 4:42 a.m. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. Illinois crime rates, Illinois crime stats, Illinois crime report, FBI Uniform Crime Reports Illinois Crime Rates 1960 to 2019 Illinois Crime Rates 1960 - 2019 The data in the crime reports is derived from the annual Uniform Crime Reports issued by the FBI until 2020, at which time the FBI If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Urbana man charged with murder in 2019 shooting in west Champaign The Champaign Police Department has made an arrest in a July 14, 2022, shooting death investigation, officially ruling it a Homicide. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Date/Time of Occurrence: approx December 22 December 24, 1991 Crime Podcast 'Murder in Illinois' Probes Vaughn Family Slaying When Yessenia Suarez and her two young kids, Thalia and Michael Otto, go missing from their home in Deltona, Florida, all eyes turn to her husband, Luis Toledo. More information about how to obtain copies of original death records . The Champaign Police Department, alone, removed 165. Attempts were made to contact the missing [], On July 23, 2021, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 3000 Block of Edward Hoffman Drive for the report of shots fired. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded. In fact, newly released FBI statistics suggest it wasnt a crime wave at all. Of those, Reitz says 24 cases have been charged. East St. Louis Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 3 /10 Population: 26,277 Rank Last Year: 68 Murders: 36 (2nd Most) Murders Per 100k: 137.0 (Most) More on East St. Louis: Data | Photos 2. 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min When he came around family, he would always put a smile on his face and just kissy, kissy, just loving type of son, he reminisced. A 21-year-old Champaign man was shot and killed early Sunday in north Champaign. July 27: Richard J. Wright, 23, of Champaign; died from stabbing about 3 a.m. at 1404 Silver Street; no arrests. 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. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Date of Occurrence: October 13, 2018, at approximately 1:30 a.m. That was no ordinary crime wave the United States experienced last year. That was my last word to my child.. Dan Morgan, of the Urbana Police Department, is hopeful that new DNA evidence will lead to the person who killed 21-year-old University of . John Wayne Gacy. What we know about the increase in U.S. murders in 2020 Learn More. 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. Although, the effort overlaps some. Social media, he said, has become a tool to call out others, or to quickly alert an ally to the location of a perceived enemy. Evidence suggests that Mr. Simmons death was a homicide, and is believed to have occurred within a 24-hour period of him being found. Nov. 12: Gerryontae Brown, 16, shot to death in his own home in the 600 block of East Eureka Street; Calvin Williams, 18, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Description: Mr. Jackson was last seen by his family on November 26, 2011 after leaving home to run errands. Almost weekly, young men charged with illegally possessing guns are asked in court why they have guns. *Date of occurrence may refer to the time the incident was reported to police. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound. There is a 1 in 39 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. Champaign violent crime is 37.9. Murder Mystery at the Mansion - allerton.illinois.edu . Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). A rough year for gunfire, deaths in Champaign County Champaign reported 827 violent crimes in 2020 (the same number as 2019), and Urbana reported a significant increase, from 124 incidents in 2019 to 214 in 2020. This afternoon, Isaiah Depriest Cain (pictured), 28, of Champaign, surrendered to Champaign Police after a warrant had been issued for his arrest for First-Degree Murder in connection to the shooting death of Scott Roth, 21, of Champaign. May 21: James Rooster Coleman, 25, shot during a dice game in a Gramercy Park apartment in the 200 block of South Country Fair Drive; London Taylor, 21, of Urbana, and Keith Baker, 25, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Online Illinois Death Indexes, Records & Obituaries Springfield News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | WRSP Thats why you have an isolated shooting on a side street because somebody has shared your location, Griffet said. Biden surveys Ida cleanup in, Newsfeed Now: UPS driver spreads joy with TikTok, Newsfeed Now: Hurricane Ida death toll rises after, Newsfeed Now: Supreme Court allows Texas abortion, Newsfeed Now: Pres. He bled out, Willy-Ann Hoff said, her lip quivering. Editorial | Murders up across the U.S., not just in Champaign-Urbana. 0. One of these vehicles was registered to Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident. [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. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument could be heard in the area immediately prior to an unknown suspect(s) firing numerous gun shots. Finally, the gun violence that is claiming so many young people in Champaign-Urbana and the nation must be addressed not only by police and social workers but by business people, faith leaders, teachers, youth and athletic groups, mentors, neighbors and others. at Parkland College Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, CHAMPAIGN Illinois. 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. Auto thefts and arson are shocking high at 144 and 17, respectively. The number of homicides stood at 2 - a decrease of 5 compared to 2018. It was believed the suspect cut himself while entering the home of the victim. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Police hopeful science will solve 1988 U. of I. murder mystery [30], On June 30, the FBI arrested Christensen and charged him with kidnapping under Title 18 U.S.C. Despite a record 17 homicides in 2021, Vogel was able to dig back into Mr. Hobbs death several months ago. 17 people, including teenagers, lost their lives. 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. [34][35] Christensen pled not guilty at his arraignment on July 20, 2017. Jan 30, 1991. Double homicide investigation in St. Joseph leads to arrest He sent the pants to the Illinois State Police lab and they confirmed that it (came from) Keonte Campbell, said Newell, calling that just one significant piece of evidence that enabled police to link him to the shooting. Not at a what I expected of a Wyndham Hotel property. The rate of murder in Champaign is 0.06 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Meantime, area police departments are working with groups like the Community Coalition to provide resources to at-risk youth in hopes of reducing the number of gun crimes. . As the effect of the pandemic wanes we all hope there is the belief that society will return to some kind of normal, the economy will stabilize, schools will remain open and violent crimes will drop. Champaign, IL 162 contributions. Darker colors represent the lowest and highest rates of diabetes prevalence in Illinois. URBANA An Urbana man has been charged with the murder three years ago of a Champaign man. The bond on the warrant was set at $2 million. There was a fire reported at his. 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Keying in on the individuals involved in gun crime activities, Coon explained. It is believed that the homicide occurred between the dates of December 22-24, 1991. which is the worst way to die.. Co-founder of YouTube. 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? She was never seen alive again. Most accurate 2021 crime rates for Champaign, IL. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Mr. Hobbs, of Champaign, died on Jan. 24, 2019, from gunshots he received inside a home in the 800 block of Fairoaks Drive in Champaign. If your loved ones picture does not appear on this page, please email us at, IACP and NAACP Shared Principles Agreement, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request, Citizen Review of Police Complaints Working Group, Charges Filed in October 24, 2021, Shooting Investigation, City Staff Attend Library Community Job Fair, Charges Filed in January 3, 2023, Shooting Investigation. Illinois vs. Michigan basketball video highlights, score, live updates June 3, 2023. He was last seen wearing a Black jacket and riding a bluish-purple bicycle. The black Saturn Astra was initially towed to a secure bay at the Champaign Police Department, and on June 18 was transported to the FBI Springfield Division's main office in Springfield, Illinois. People want to show off what they have. [16][17] On June 19, the University of Illinois in conjunction with Champaign County Crime Stoppers, announced a reward of $40,000 for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the apparent kidnapping of Zhang. [45], On October 11, 2018, a memorial garden was dedicated in honor of Zhang at the corner of North Goodwin Avenue and West Clark Street. Description: On December 24, 1991, Officers responded to Ms. Hulls residence after receiving a report that she had been found unresponsive with traumatic injury. Aug 2019 - Dec 2019 5 months. Discuss Champaign, Illinois (IL) on our hugely popular Illinois forum. Chapter 55, 1201 of federal law. Officer Tatman was pronounced deceased on the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. Sgt. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) Candidates for Champaign Mayor, city council and more participated in a forum Sunday at Champaign Public . Additionally, Christensen was recorded saying that Zhang had resisted and fought with him, and he was also recorded threatening someone who then provided incriminating evidence to authorities. Its led by the Champaign Police Department but includes members from the Urbana Police Department, the University of Illinois Police Department and the Champaign County Sheriffs Office. 1001), "US police seek information on car where missing Chinese scholar last seen", "Federal jury finds Brendt Christensen guilty of kidnapping, slaying of Chinese scholar at U. of I. Description: Upon arriving to the scene in the 400 block of West Vine St., officers located Mr. Moore in the driveway of a private residence suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Jazmin Pazmino - Instructor - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 17 people, including teenagers, lost their lives. Most recently, Ohio State defeated Illinois 72-60 on Sunday . [4] She played in a band and had ambitions of becoming a professor in China. Christensen was thus sentenced on July 18, 2019 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus 10 years. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)- The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. He had been physically battered and was without a pulse. A 21-year-old Champaign man was shot and killed early Sunday in north Champaign, the second homicide of 2019 in that city. 2019 Aug 6, 2019; . Case details: Homicide investigation of Mary Ann Becker (15,000 reward) On Sept. 9, 1974, between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Mary Ann Becker was discovered dead inside her home in Atkinson. Oct. 8: Martin Morrow, 29, of Urbana, shot multiple times in the middle of West William Street near Duncan Road; no arrests. Date of Occurrence: July 9, 2000, approximately 12:38 a.m. 2. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Location of Occurrence: 1200 block of Clock St., Champaign. [10] He asked Hogan to get into his car, she refused, and he drove off. The number of homicides stood at 1 - a decrease of 1 compared to 2018. Champaign, IL 61820, Emergency: 9-1-1 New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. The Champaign County Coroner's office identified the victim as 14-year-old Steven Butler III. Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. [9] She was considering entering a doctoral program at the University of Illinois. 2022 Safe Places to Live in Champaign County, IL - Niche Listen Now MURDERED: Tracy Kirkpatrick When 17-year-old Tracy Kirkpatrick is found murdered in March 1989, investigators struggle to find any evidence pointing to who killed her. WRSP/WCCU Fox Illinois provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Springfield and . 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. [10] After picking up Zhang later that morning and taking her back to his apartment, Christensen choked, raped, and stabbed her in his bedroom before dragging her to his bathroom where he beat her with a baseball bat and decapitated her. Written August 14, 2019. As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. Police said an investigation done then suggested that an unknown person or people forced their way into the home and fired multiple rounds at Mr. Hobbs before fleeing. Urbana Shootings In 2021 Soar Past Last Year's - Illinois Newsroom