Police Investigating Overnight Accidental Shooting/Suicide Incident

On June 12, 2021, at approximately 1:18 a.m., Champaign Police learned two males had arrived by personal vehicle at Carle Hospital Emergency Department with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

The preliminary investigation revealed this shooting event occurred in an alley located in the 300 block of East White Street, Champaign where a 16-year-old male was seated in a vehicle with four other males. A 20-year-old male was seated behind the 16-year-old and was reported to have been manipulating the safety on a handgun when it discharged. The 16-year-old male appears to have been accidentally shot in the head. The 20-year-old male commented about shooting the 16-year-old male. The 20-year-old male then reportedly shot himself in the head. The driver of the vehicle attempted to transport both individuals to Carle Hospital Emergency Department for treatment.

While enroute to the hospital, the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to turn at University and Orchard, crashing the vehicle into a concrete barrier in the Carle Hospital parking lot. There were no injuries because of the traffic accident which was subsequently investigated by the Urbana Police Department. Aid was rendered to both male victims. The 20-year-old male succumbed to his injuries and the 16-year-old male is listed in critical condition.

Police request anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to please call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately with police. 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.