On July 15, 2022, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 200 Block of E. Green Street for a report of a shooting with injury. Upon arrival, officers located a 46-year-old male victim from Urbana suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound and immediately rendered medical aid. He was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The initial investigation indicates that the victim was walking eastbound in the 200-block of East Green Street with Matthew Denbo, 42, of Urbana, when an argument ensued. The argument rapidly escalated, with Denbo firing a gun and mortally wounding the victim. Following the shooting, Denbo left the area. He was quickly located by officers and arrested for Murder, pending formal charges.
Even though an arrest has been made, the investigation is ongoing, and officers continue to canvass of the area. Residents and businesses with exterior surveillance camera systems are encouraged to notify the police department. It is believed video footage may be of investigative assistance. Future updates may be provided as they become available. The Champaign Police Department would like to thank the University of Illinois Police Department for their assistance in this case.
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.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.