New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. 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. The Champaign Police Department has made an arrest in a July 14, 2022, shooting death investigation, officially ruling it a Homicide. UPDATE: Tornado watch issued until 3 p.m. Roselle man in custody in 2021 shooting of North Prospect Avenue motorist, Good Morning, Illini Nation: Big Ten standings update, Epps 'doing better' after hospitalization, Bob's buzzer beaters | 'What a game. American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. While newly released FBI data shows a troubling increase in homicides in C-U, Illinois and the nation last year, some perspective is needed. 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. The investigation revealed that Hull had been physically assaulted, including sustaining multiple stab wounds. He had been physically battered and was without a pulse. Location of Occurrence: W. Church St., West of Mattis Ave., Champaign. Christensen lured Zhang into his car at a bus stop on campus posing as a police officer with the promise of a ride after she missed a bus, but then took her to his apartment where he raped and murdered her while his wife was out of town for the weekend. 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min Homicides were up almost 30 percent nationally, a total of 21,570 for the year. As a result, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 18, 2019. Description: Officers responded to the 100 block of North State St. for the report of a robbery. [29][28], On July 12, 2017, a federal grand jury formally indicted Christensen for kidnapping Zhang. Location of Occurrence: 1100 block of S. Randolph St., 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. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. 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 . He also doesnt believe its a gang problem per se, but rather, allegiances among friends. 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. 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. One of these vehicles was registered to Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). 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. 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: 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. [6] Zhang was a visiting scholar in the Chinese Academy of Sciences[3] before travelling to the United States. Over the next two days, Christensen claimed he disposed of Zhang's personal belongings in various dumpsters in the Champaign-Urbana area. 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. Feb. 3: Gaylend Allen-Davis, 33, of Champaign, shot in a car in the 1300 block of Mariner Way. The findings align with a separate tabulation of the nation's murder rate published in September by the FBI.. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. 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. Perceptions of crime on trails vs. parks in minority neighborhoods as factors affecting recreation use. which is the worst way to die.. The investigation revealed Mr. Ledbetter was robbed and physically assaulted by three unknown assailants. Mr. Roth was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. [11], Zhang then walked to another bus stop a few blocks away at the corner of North Goodwin Avenue and West Clark Street, directly in front of the university's PBS radio and television station, WILL. Green counties have prevalences below the state rate of 9.1%, and red counties have prevalences at 9.1% or higher. Evidence suggests that Mr. Simmons death was a homicide, and is believed to have occurred within a 24-hour period of him being found. Description: On December 24, 1991, Officers responded to Ms. Hulls residence after receiving a report that she had been found unresponsive with traumatic injury. 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. Five years later, it hit that record-setting number for both shootings and murders in the city. He was never found. 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. Officer Tatman was pronounced deceased on the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. Willy-Ann Hoff is a staple at C-U non-profit HV Neighborhood Transformation these days. Miller was arrested in the 1100 block of North James Street, Champaign. Champaign Police contacted the father of the reported missing juvenile, who informed police the juvenile left the familys residence at approximately 5 p.m. Jackson is described as a Black male, 511, approximately 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of West Vine St., Champaign. [23], Investigators were unable to discern the license plate number of the vehicle from security camera footage. Date of Occurrence: August 9, 2014, at approximately 10:03 a.m. Partly cloudy skies. The Virginia Theatre. The information below is shared with hope to gain new information from the public concerning unsolved homicide investigations. My child wasnt perfect, no child is perfect. As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. Editorial | Murders up across the U.S., not just in Champaign-Urbana. As we dive into a new year, Hoff wants to see the community, police, and organizations working for change on the ground level to form a stronger bond. 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. Date of Occurrence: November 17, 2014, at approximately 10:00p.m. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Roper, Champaign. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Im not perfect, she added. [2], On June 15, local police and FBI investigators questioned Christensen and executed a search warrant for his car. Zhang has one younger brother, Zhengyang. GLEN ELLYN, IL It was over 30 years ago when 15-year-old Kristy Wesselman left her suburban home to pick up a candy bar and some soda from a nearby grocery store. Towels were all over as if the laundry was done right in the office lobby. The schools are top notch with a highly involved community.. View nearby homes. In early December 2019, Christensen reported to USP McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky to begin serving his life sentence. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Two of the other homicides were caused by beatings and the third from a stabbing. (The US average is 22.7) Champaign property crime is 42.3. The fund will be used to support international students in crisis and their families. 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. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of Forsynthia Dr., Champaign. Freres revealed more details from the investigation not presented in the criminal complaint. Population 8,888. Team members will work to link people with resources and services available in the community. Mr.. Electrical engineer and physicist; two time Nobel Prize winner in Physics. (The US average is 35.4) NOTE: Click on the links below to see charts for each crime category. Police are investigating to see if there's a link to a shooting 22 hours earlier in another part of town that wounded one man. Allerton Park . Location of Occurrence: 1200 block of Clock St., Champaign. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Date of Occurrence: July 1, 2003, at approximately 8:54p.m. Location of Occurrence: 800 block of N. Randolph St., Champaign. He told the court that Christensen had attended a vigil held for Zhang on June 29, where he had described "the characteristics of his ideal victim", and had pointed out those in the crowd who matched them. Location of Occurrence: 2600 block of Lawndale Dr., Champaign Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. [38][10] Evidence was provided that before Christensen abducted Zhang, he had posed as an undercover police officer and attempted to abduct graduate student Emily Hogan. Champaign, IL 61820. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. [10], On June 24, 2019, the 12-member jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning its verdict. The bond on the warrant was set at $2 million. Two women were found shot in St. Joseph Township, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old . 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. 500 E. Peabody Dr. Champaign, Illinois 61820 . July 27: Richard J. Wright, 23, of Champaign; died from stabbing about 3 a.m. at 1404 Silver Street; no arrests. The Champaign County Coroner's office identified the victim as 14-year-old Steven Butler III. It is believed that the homicide occurred between the dates of December 22-24, 1991. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. [4] She played in a band and had ambitions of becoming a professor in China. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. The bond on the warrant was set at $2 million. They also noted that the car in the video had a cracked hubcap and, upon reinspecting Christensen's car, found that it had a cracked hubcap. . She developed the ancillary materials for the sixth edition of Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription in addition to coauthoring the seventh edition. digital.media, The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana) Wed, 05/22/2019 - 5:00am Page 1; Page 2; . Description: Officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a person found deceased. People who live in Champaign generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. While most rates are declining, homicides tripled between 2018 and 2019. He was last seen wearing a Black jacket and riding a bluish-purple bicycle. [29][28] Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Freres said that there was no "combination of conditions" where Christensen was not a danger to the community. 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. He later told investigators that he may have been sleeping, or at home playing video games. [12] Investigators noted that the passenger door of his car "appeared to have been cleaned to a more diligent extent than the other vehicle doors", which they said "may be indicative of an attempt or effort to conceal or destroy evidence". 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. Police intervention fatalities include: Domestic violence suspects killed by law enforcement officers responding to intimate partner violence or threats of violence. She was never seen alive again. Champaign man who fatally shot friend outside American Legion gets 65 years. 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. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of East Hill St., Champaign. 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? You have permission to edit this article. Low 32F. Champaign is currently growing at a rate of 0.81% annually and its population has increased by 2.46% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 88,302 in 2020. 2021 End of Year Gun Violen by Neil Street, Its alarming, Champaign Deputy Chief Geoff Coon said. . John Wayne Gacy. Gacy assaulted and murdered at least 33 boys and young men in Chicago. On Friday morning, bicyclists found a body laying in a ditch along East Washington Street in Urbana. *For investigative purposes, police may delay posting open homicide investigations for 120 days following the incident. Not at a what I expected of a Wyndham Hotel property. "Magnificent Musical Pilgrimage" A Joint Concert by the Chamber Singers and Guitar Ensemble. Description: Officers responded to the 800 block of N. Randolph after receiving reports of shots fired in the neighborhood. Born in Vietnam, Reginald is a graduate of the . Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. Darker colors represent the lowest and highest rates of diabetes prevalence in Illinois. For the diplomat, see, Yingying Zhang around the time of her college graduation. Location of Occurrence: 900 Block of N. Third St., Champaign. More information about how to obtain copies of original death records . [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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. [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. The 10 Murder Capitals Of Illinois For 2021 1. Everyone has a role. Low 32F. Mr. Hobbs death was the first of two homicides by gunfire in 2019 in Champaign. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. In 2020, 57 were shot, and 34 in 2019. Almost weekly, young men charged with illegally possessing guns are asked in court why they have guns. What police are finding is that not only are there more shootings, but there has been a significant increase in the amount of firepower. [9] She was considering entering a doctoral program at the University of Illinois. Description:Mr.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. 82 E. University Ave. [39][4] During sentencing deliberations, the jury could not unanimously agree to sentence Christensen to death. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The previous high was four. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) Candidates for Champaign Mayor, city council and more participated in a forum Sunday at Champaign Public . 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. Mr. Most officers dont even carry 50 bullets on their person, said Champaign police Sgt. Law enforcement agencies then placed Christensen under continuous surveillance, beginning on or about June 16. 2019 Aug 6, 2019; . Aug. 15: Christopher Kelly, 23, of Champaign, gunned down in a parking in the 900 block of Bloomington Road; Trevoy Fonville, 24, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. Tommy O'Connor. Date of Occurrence: December 18, 2004, at approximately 4:42 a.m. [13], The leasing agent sent a text message to her at approximately 2:38p.m., but received no reply. But some stressors will continue for some people. The rate for violent crimes including rape, homicide, robbery and aggravated assault was 406.9 per 100,000. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. UPDATE: Tornado watch issued until 3 p.m. Roselle man in custody in 2021 shooting of North Prospect Avenue motorist, Good Morning, Illini Nation: Big Ten standings update, Epps 'doing better' after hospitalization, Bob's buzzer beaters | 'What a game. . [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. 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. Communication or a physical encounter is not something they wish to partake in, he theorized. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. RANTOUL - Mary Jane Bryan, 92, of Rantoul passed away Sunday (Feb. 19, 2023). Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Yingying Zhang (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: Zhng Yngyng) (December 21, 1990 June 9, 2017) was born in the city of Nanping, Fujian Province, to Ronggao Zhang and Lifeng Ye. St. Louis experienced its highest murder rate in 50 years. After resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, Mr. Ledbetter was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Champaign, Illinois, United States . 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. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in math and physics and graduated with a master's degree in physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May 2017. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. Foul play is suspected. Officers located Ms. Melchi inside her residence, with evidence suggesting that foul play was involved in her death. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. The fund is managed by the University of Illinois Foundation. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. If a photo is mailed in, please let us know if you would like it to be returned and include a return address. On March 18, 2012, Mr. Jacksons body was discovered hidden in the backyard of a vacant house in the 1500 block of Hedge Rd., with suggestion that foul play was involved. Partly cloudy skies. 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. 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. If you, or anyone you know has any bit of information on the following cases, please contact the Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900. Some parts 2023 Advameg, Inc. Crime rate in Champaign, Illinois (IL): murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers, crime map. He started at WILL in October of 2019 after serving as News Director for WKAR in East Lansing, Michigan. Champaign, IL: Yorkville, IL: U.S. Avg: Difference: Taxes Overall: Federal Income Tax: State Income Tax: Sales Tax (State & Local) Sales Tax on Food: Real property tax on median home: RE trans fee on median home (over 13 yrs) Auto sales taxes (amortized over 6 years) Annual Vehicle Property Taxes on $25K Car: Annual Auto Registration [2][28] Concurrent with this questioning, agents at Christensen's apartment sought and obtained written permission from another occupant of the residence for search and seizure of items at the residence. Its no different than trying to show off who has the most money. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. in our local parks & preserves. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Officers responded to reports of a possible shooting in the 1300 block of N. Chestnut. Deputy Chief Coon oversees the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force. Dave Griffet, a police officer for 30 years. All sales are final. [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. . It was believed the suspect cut himself while entering the home of the victim. Description: Officers responded to the 400 block of East Hill St. for reports of shots heard. 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. Front Desk: 217-351-4545 Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. Date/Time of Occurrence: approx December 22 December 24, 1991 Add new comment; Original article; Share News Clip; RELATED ARTICLES . Nevertheless, Aurora has a disturbing number of violent and non-violent crimes. Griffet is also assigned by his department to the U.S. [2] Zhang planned to marry her boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou, in October 2017. Keonte Campbell is expected to be returned to Urbana later this month to face prosecution on the murder charges. Every piece of information is valuable, and the partnership of everyday citizens makes all the difference in successfully bringing cases to a close. There was a fire reported at his. His mother said a bullet to the abdomen took him away from her. One of the victims, Mr. Vonner, was fatally injured and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that on . 17 people, including teenagers, lost their lives. [23] However, they determined that there were 18 four-door Saturn Astras registered to owners in the Champaign County area. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. [10], On the afternoon of June 9, 2017, Zhang was traveling on a Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) bus in Urbana, Illinois, to an off-campus apartment complex where she was planning to sign a new apartment lease. They concluded that the car in the footage belonged to Christensen. The task of entering all Illinois deaths before 1916 is far from complete. The U.S. murder rate jumped by 30% from 2019 to 2020, an increase attributed to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. [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]. On July 14, 2022, at approximately 5:14 a.m., Champaign Police responded to the 400 block of E. Beardsley Avenue for a report of a shooting with injury. [44] Christensen was transferred to USP Coleman II in Florida in early 2020. And with drugs and cash there are usually guns present to keep that stash intact. [12][31] According to the law, if a kidnapping results in the death of any person, life imprisonment or the death penalty is prescribed. [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. [2][10][24][25] Christensen married in March 2011, and started graduate school in 2013. [21][22], The university announced that they planned to install additional, high-definition, security cameras throughout the campus. Champaign Police reminds citizens that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Abusers' suicide deaths following attempted homicide, assault, or homicide threats. Upon arrival, officers located Acarrie Ingram-Triner, 19, of Champaign, with a life-threatening gunshot wound to her lower neck. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. 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. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). 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? Michigan leads Illinois 23-21 with 7:50 left in the first half. . 03/04/2023. "Brendt Christensen" redirects here. 1. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. [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. Experts have a number of theories for the unsettling increase in homicides and other violent crimes, mostly centering on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: social isolation; stresses brought on by the fear of employment and housing loss; concerns about schooling and child care. The lobby was dark and smelled of cigarettes smoke.