A second teenager has been arrested in an investigation into a March 2026 fatal shooting. On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at approximately 6:14 p.m., Champaign Police responded to reports of a fight in the parking lot of the Market Place Shopping Mall. During the altercation, at least one firearm was discharged, striking a 16-year-old victim. Responding officers, with assistance from the Champaign Fire Department, immediately administered life-saving medical aid until the victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:44 p.m.
Following the incident, a 15-year-old suspect was located and arrested. On April 2, 2026, a second 15-year-old was arrested on a Warrant of Apprehension for Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Because the suspect is a juvenile, state law prohibits the release of additional identifying information.
While two arrests have been made, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Champaign Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have cell phone footage of the fight, to please call 217-351-4545. Champaign Police Detectives can make arrangements to speak with witnesses privately.
Community members wishing to remain completely anonymous can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at 373tips.com, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app. All information submitted to Crime Stoppers is strictly confidential. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that processes the information and passes it to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized, and conversations are not recorded.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.