On September 1, 2017 at approximately 12:44 AM, Champaign Police responded to the 1200 Block of N. McKinley Ave. after nearby officers heard multiple gunshots in the immediate area. Officers located 19-year-old Brandon J. Smith in critical condition. He was transported to Carle Hospital, but would succumb to his injuries a short time later.
Since the shooting, Champaign Police Detectives have actively worked this investigation, evaluating evidence and interviewing persons of interest. As a result, detectives have identified the primary suspect in this investigation.
An arrest warrant for the offense of Murder has been issued for Jaki G. Pearson, a 20-year-old male from Champaign. Bond on the warrant is set at $1,000,000.
Anyone who has information regarding Pearson’s location, or the shooting of Brandon Smith, is urged to contact the Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900.
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.
Champaign Police reminds citizens that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.