On June 20, 2021, at approximately 12:31 a.m., Champaign Police responded to the 2500 block of West Springfield Avenue for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a crowd of approximately 100 individuals and located a 32-year-old male suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound to his back. Officers provided medical aid and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Soon thereafter, police were made aware of a second victim, a 27-year-old male, that arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his left leg.
The preliminary investigation indicates a large number of individuals were gathered outside at the time of the incident with reports of fireworks being set off during the event. Police are currently processing evidence from the scene, including nearly 40 shell casings that have been recovered from the incident. Two vehicles and a residential building also sustained damage due to gunfire.
Any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance camera systems is encouraged to notify the police department. It is believed video footage may be of investigative assistance. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information 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.
Citizens are reminded 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.