This week, Champaign saw two major homicide investigations brought to a conclusion—one involving the arrest and prosecution of 19-year-old Robbie M. Patton of Champaign, and the second involving 20-year-old Josh’uah K. Young of Urbana. Both cases were major undertakings by Police staff, who are grateful to have helped bring closure to the Vineyard, Korchev and shooting victims families, as well as to the community as a whole. Our Departments’ condolences and prayers are continued as these families move forward in their healing.
On July 19, 2014 at approximately 12:24 PM, Champaign Police responded to the 1000 Block of N. Sixth Street for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 22-year-old Rakim Vineyard of Champaign, who was inflicted by, and would later succumb to, multiple gunshot injuries. The death of Mr. Vineyard forged a division within our community that would lead to numerous shootings and acts of violence through repeat retaliatory acts. Champaign Police Detectives worked relentlessly to bring the investigation to a resolution, and ultimately developed information that led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Josh’uah Young. Young was found guilty of First Degree Murder and this morning was sentenced to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
On September 25, 2016 at approximately 12:38 AM, Champaign Police officers, assisted by U of I Police and Urbana Police, were dispatched to the area of 306 E. Green St. after receiving multiple calls regarding a shooting that took place outside of an apartment party. Upon arrival, officers located one victim who was struck by a vehicle while fleeing the scene and four victims who sustained gunshot injuries, including 22-year-old George Korchev of Mundelein, IL, who would later succumb to his injury. Champaign Police investigations identified Robbie M. Patton as the suspect in the shooting and on September 29, 2016, Patton was arrested. Yesterday, Patton was found guilty on the charge of First Degree Murder and (3) counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November.
The City of Champaign, along with surrounding municipalities, continue to invest in targeted initiatives that seek to combat crime in our community, and our officers are committed to identifying and holding offenders responsible. We encourage continued citizen partnership in helping to bring justice for those impacted by these senseless acts of violence and urge anyone with information related to crime in our community to contact the Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at: (217) 373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app. Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
- Related News: Press Conference re: Rakim Vineyard Homicide and Young Arrest
- Related News: Press Conference re: Sept 25, 2016 Shooting and Patton Arrest Warrant