The Champaign Police Department is continuing its investigation into the murder of Rakim J. Vineyard, a 22 year-old Champaign man. The shooting occurred on the afternoon of July 19, 2014 at approximately 12:24 p.m. in the 1000 block of N. Sixth Street, Champaign.
On Saturday, police received a report of a man being shot and witnesses seeing the armed male offender flee from the area. Officers arrived on the scene and found Vineyard unconscious and inflicted with multiple gunshot wounds. Vineyard was later pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital. Officers later received additional information, from several residents, that three homes in the area were also struck by gunfire during the shooting incident. One of the rounds penetrated the exterior wall of a residence and struck a 14 year-old male in the leg. Fortunately, after traveling through the wall, the round was traveling slow enough that he was not injured.
The suspect in this shooting, was described as a black male, between 17-25 years old; approximately 5’9” tall and wearing a white shirt and blue jean shorts or pants.
In response to the recent shootings, the Champaign Police Department has increased police presence in the north and northwest areas of the city where shootings and shots fired incidents have been more prevalent. Detectives are also following up on leads into Vineyard’s murder.
“We believe there were witnesses present during this senseless shooting, who have chosen not to come forward with information,” says Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb. “If there is a photo or video footage of this incident, or any other information that would be helpful to law enforcement, we urge you to call the Champaign Police Department or anonymously upload or submit your information to Crime Stoppers,” he added.
Champaign police encourages the public to seek cover if they happen to be in an area where there is gunfire. Cover is best when it is behind large solid objects, such as trees or buildings. Also, if the public can safely record, photograph, or gather information about the offender(s) and/or the vehicle they are traveling in, we ask that you share it with law enforcement, either in person or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Citizens with information can contact the Champaign Police Department at (217) 351-4545 or Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-8477 (TIPS). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online to Crime Stoppers at www.373tips.com or by texting the following: CCTIP plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime.