On July 1, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Champaign Police were called to the 100 Block of North State Street for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive 56-year-old white male who had been physically battered and was without a pulse. Officers immediately began lifesaving attempts until the victim was able to be transported to a local hospital. Resuscitation efforts at the hospital were unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation suggests the victim, who is believed to be homeless, was robbed and physically assaulted. Witnesses described the suspects as three black male individuals. Police found the victim near a park bench on the east side of State Street between University Avenue and Park Street where he had been known to sleep.
Police are enlisting public assistance to help identify the individuals responsible. Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to contact the police department. It is believed video footage may be of investigative assistance.
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to please contact police at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 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.
Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime.