Graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When Yessenia Suarez and her two young kids, Thalia and Michael Otto, go missing from their home in Deltona, Florida, all eyes turn to her husband, Luis Toledo. Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? [18] This reward is the largest offered in the 31-year history of the Champaign Crime Stoppers organization. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Location of Occurrence: 1100 block of S. Randolph St., Champaign. Steve Chen. The 2019 Champaign crime rate rose by 17% compared to 2018. Seems like theres a curse in this town, seems like theres a dark cloud, Hoff told WCIA 3 Thursday. The 34-year-old female, identified as Ms. Cobb, succumbed to her injuries a short time after the incident occurred. Most recently, Ohio State defeated Illinois 72-60 on Sunday . The fund will be used to support international students in crisis and their families. Feb 20, 2015 at 10:25 am. Description: Officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a person found deceased. Urbana, IL 444 contributions. UPDATE: Tornado watch issued until 3 p.m. Roselle man in custody in 2021 shooting of North Prospect Avenue motorist, Good Morning, Illini Nation: Big Ten standings update, Epps 'doing better' after hospitalization, Bob's buzzer beaters | 'What a game. They also noted that the car in the video had a cracked hubcap and, upon reinspecting Christensen's car, found that it had a cracked hubcap. Adams County: Quincy Public Library Historical Newspaper Archive, 1835-1919; Adams County: Card Index to Deaths, 1877-1990 at FamilySearch Adams County: Greenmount Cemetery Burials in Quincy, Illinois Chicago Tribune. That was my last word to my child.. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Urbana, is 1 in 35. Long denied bail for Christensen after hearing submissions from the prosecutor and Christensen's attorneys, Evan and Tom Bruno. [26] At the time of Zhang's murder, Christensen was in an open marriage, while also dating a girlfriend. Partly cloudy skies. [36], Christensen's trial began in June 2019 with his attorney, George Taseff, admitting in the opening statements that Christensen killed Zhang[37][38] and he was on "trial for his life" because he could face the death penalty. The Illinois State Police, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the Nokomis Police Department are seeking assistance regarding the homicide of Shana Marie Jaros, of Nokomis, Illinois. Description: Reported November 18, 2014, at 8:13 a.m. officers were dispatched to a check welfare call in the 00-100 block of Forsynthia Dr. for a subject who was unresponsive in a vehicle. 217-403-6904 (fax). The latter topped 2,014 in 2019. One of these vehicles was registered to Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident. Champaign and Urbana mirrored the national trends. The 2019 Urbana crime rate fell by 11% compared to 2018. There was also a larger number of assaults at 356. Champaign Police and Champaign Fire rendered medical aid until Ms. Ingram-Triner was transported [], On Thursday, July 29, at approximately 7:36 p.m., Champaign Police were notified of a missing 14-year-old juvenile from the 900 block of Harvard Street, Champaign. April 6, 2023. The previous high was four. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio employee Kathy Reiser. Miller was arrested in the 1100 block of North James Street, Champaign. Dave Griffet, a police officer for 30 years. At 9:24p.m., an associate professor called police to report her missing. *For investigative purposes, police may delay posting open homicide investigations for 120 days following the incident. [12] Christensen's girlfriend was approached by FBI investigators and agreed to wear a wire, thinking that it would exonerate Christensen if he had not committed the crime. What a game. The police department is also . Christensen was thus sentenced on July 18, 2019 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus 10 years. Sgt. Mahomet has 2 large forest preserves, extremely convenient location to get to Champaign shopping, work, and downtown. The circumstances of Mary Ann Becker's death resulted in a homicide investigation involving multiple police agencies. Location of Occurrence: 100 block of North State St., Champaign. Illinois Death Records Indexes, Obituaries and Cemeteries by County. The Illinois State Police (ISP) says a black Kia . A 21-year-old Champaign man was shot and killed early Sunday in north Champaign. The rate of murder in Champaign County is 0.06 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. [2][33] Christensen had no prior criminal record and no record of disciplinary problems at the university. Illinois crime rates, Illinois crime stats, Illinois crime report, FBI Uniform Crime Reports Illinois Crime Rates 1960 to 2019 Illinois Crime Rates 1960 - 2019 The data in the crime reports is derived from the annual Uniform Crime Reports issued by the FBI until 2020, at which time the FBI The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. [6] Zhang was a visiting scholar in the Chinese Academy of Sciences[3] before travelling to the United States. DAndre Miller, 34, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. He later told investigators that he may have been sleeping, or at home playing video games. What a game', 'Craziness' of Illini helps secure double overtime win, Editorial | White Castle ruling leaves bad taste in business community's mouth, New Illini-centered name, image, likeness collective targets big-dollar donations, Man charged in connection with 35 pounds of cannabis in his home. 17 E. Taylor Street. . Location of Occurrence: 1300 block of N. Chestnut St., Champaign. WRSP/WCCU Fox Illinois provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Springfield and . Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Champaign is 1 in 142 and property crime is 1 in 65. That was no ordinary crime wave the United States experienced last year. Surveillance video cameras showed that a black Saturn Astra passed by her at 2:00p.m. as she waited at the bus stop, and then circled back around and stopped where she was waiting at 2:03p.m.[2][12][13] She spoke to the driver for approximately one minute, and then entered the car. Electrical engineer and physicist; two time Nobel Prize winner in Physics. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217- 373-8477 (TIPS); online at, Suspect in Homicide Investigation Surrenders to Police. All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. Its not necessarily about drugs or territory. CPD is always working to update this webpage. Champaign reported 827 violent crimes in 2020 (the same number as 2019), and Urbana reported a significant increase, from 124 incidents in 2019 to 214 in 2020. Cello12345. Nov. 13: Shawntiel Harrison,. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of West Vine St., Champaign. [10], On June 24, 2019, the 12-member jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning its verdict. According to reports, two unknown male suspects forced entry into the home firing gunshots; wounding one individual and fatally striking Mr. White. Keying in on the individuals involved in gun crime activities, Coon explained. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded. On May 5, 2019, at approximately 1:49 a.m., Champaign Police responded to an apartment complex parking lot in the 400 block of Edgebrook Dr. following reports of a shooting. Feb 28, 2023 at 11:23 am. Yingying Zhang (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: Zhng Yngyng) (December 21, 1990 June 9, 2017) was born in the city of Nanping, Fujian Province, to Ronggao Zhang and Lifeng Ye. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. April 11: Tearius Pettis, 15; shot as he rode a bicycle on South Philo Road; Troy Carter, 17, of Urbana, awaiting trial for murder. Date/Time of Occurrence: approx December 22 December 24, 1991 Attempts were made to contact the missing [], On July 23, 2021, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the 3000 Block of Edward Hoffman Drive for the report of shots fired. [18] On July 14 the reward was increased to $50,000. Partly cloudy skies. 82 E. University Ave. Low 32F. Bob . There was a fire reported at his. A memorial sprung up outside the Gramercy Park apartments in Champaign after the May 21 early-morning fatal shooting of James Rooster Coleman. Forensic evaluations returned to Police would determine that Ms. Butler had been sexually assaulted and that her death involved foul play. When questioned, Christensen reportedly claimed that he did not remember what he was doing at the time of Zhang's disappearance. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Location of Occurrence: 2600 block of Lawndale Dr., Champaign Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. Gun sales also soared during the pandemic, and 77 percent of the homicides last year were committed with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr. Ledbetter who was unresponsive near a park bench. 77 people were shot in Champaign last year. Super 8 by Wyndham in Champaign, IL. November 8, 2019. Description: Champaign Police Officer Robert Tatman, service badge #80, was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop. An Illinois man convicted of killing Yingying Zhang, a Chinese international student studying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in 2017 has been sentenced to life in prison. Please send any seating requests to Ashley Sims at [email protected]. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Zhang's family traveled to Salem to follow possible leads and the FBI investigated the reports, but it was later determined that the woman was not Zhang. Most officers dont even carry 50 bullets on their person, said Champaign police Sgt. Nobody sits down and talks through a disagreement or tries to work out a compromise. Keonte Campbell is expected to be returned to Urbana later this month to face prosecution on the murder charges. A press release from CPD says the findings are consistent with crime trends nationwide. Please provide the name and date of birth of your loved one. Location of Occurrence: 100 block of S. Kenwood Rd., Champaign. Champaign Police reminds citizens that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. What a game', 'Craziness' of Illini helps secure double overtime win, Editorial | White Castle ruling leaves bad taste in business community's mouth, New Illini-centered name, image, likeness collective targets big-dollar donations, Man charged in connection with 35 pounds of cannabis in his home. Almost weekly, young men charged with illegally possessing guns are asked in court why they have guns. which is the worst way to die.. [14] The university's large Chinese student population helped coordinate search efforts on and around campus. 03/04/2023. A makeshift memorial to Kimberly Vaughn, and her three children Abigayle, 12, Cassandra, 11, and Blake, 8, is seen outside their home in Oswego, Ill. Christopher Vaughn, who was convicted in the . Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Consider, for example, a Dec. 4 incident in which two men in a vehicle fired at Champaign County sheriffs deputies trying to stop their vehicle for speeding. Listen Now MURDERED: Tracy Kirkpatrick When 17-year-old Tracy Kirkpatrick is found murdered in March 1989, investigators struggle to find any evidence pointing to who killed her. Experts have a number of theories for the unsettling increase in homicides and other violent crimes, mostly centering on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: social isolation; stresses brought on by the fear of employment and housing loss; concerns about schooling and child care. Peaceful Views. 03/04/2023. The creation of Illinois Statewide Death index is an ongoing project of the Illinois State Archives. [21][22], The university announced that they planned to install additional, high-definition, security cameras throughout the campus. The investigation revealed the victims were outside of a private residence standing near a parked car when they were shot by unknown assailant(s) from an open area across the street. July 27: Richard J. Wright, 23, of Champaign; died from stabbing about 3 a.m. at 1404 Silver Street; no arrests. Date of Occurrence: December 17, 2012, at approximately 7:22 p.m. You have permission to edit this article. The Clery Act is a federal law that requires universities to collect and report crime statistics and campus safety policies. Mr. Roth was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Date of Occurrence: December 20, 1986, at approximately 11:45p.m. Urbana man charged with murder in 2019 shooting in west Champaign, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? [2] Zhang planned to marry her boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou, in October 2017. . The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Champaign is 643 to 1. AP / Macon County Sheriff's Office. On June 30, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested and charged Christensen in federal court. Although she smiles and laughs when she remembers her son, Stateman Hoff, she will be grieving his loss for the rest of her days. CPD Detectives are dedicated to investigating every lead possible to help bring justice to individuals, families, and to our community when it is impacted by crime and violence. Champaign Police Department 1001), "US police seek information on car where missing Chinese scholar last seen", "Federal jury finds Brendt Christensen guilty of kidnapping, slaying of Chinese scholar at U. of I. [2] The MTD stated it is against company policy to stop for pedestrians on the wrong side of the street, as to do so would encourage them to run into oncoming traffic. Judge Roger Webber said surveillance video from the area where Darin Mitchell, 48, of Champaign, was shot on Aug. 23 . New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. The suspect shot Mr. Thomas and fled the scene, running Westbound. 0. He bled out, Willy-Ann Hoff said, her lip quivering. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Description: Upon arriving to the scene in the 400 block of West Vine St., officers located Mr. Moore in the driveway of a private residence suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Champaign, IL 162 contributions. Ann L. Gibson, PhD, FACSM, is an associate professor and researcher in exercise science at the University of New Mexico, with research interests in body composition and physiological responses to exercise. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. 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. As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. View a list of counties and date spans in Illinois Statewide Death Index . Date of Occurrence: December 18, 2004, at approximately 4:42 a.m. Mr. Hobbs, of Champaign, died on Jan. 24, 2019, from gunshots he received inside a home in the 800 block of Fairoaks Drive in Champaign. Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Seraphin says there are many things to look for in order to count an incident as a shooting. Date of Occurrence: August 20, 2020, at approximately 1:51 a.m. For the diplomat, see, Yingying Zhang around the time of her college graduation. Description: Officers responded to the 100 block of North State St. for the report of a robbery. Meantime, area police departments are working with groups like the Community Coalition to provide resources to at-risk youth in hopes of reducing the number of gun crimes. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. She was the daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie Maurer. Jan 1, 1979. According to our research of Illinois and other state lists, there were 133 registered sex offenders living in Champaign, Illinois as of March 04, 2023. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument could be heard in the area immediately prior to an unknown suspect(s) firing numerous gun shots. A rough year for gunfire, deaths in Champaign County, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? "Brendt Christensen" redirects here. He was never found. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. St. Louis experienced its highest murder rate in 50 years. The data shows violent crime went down slightly in Illinois from 2018 to 2019. When officers investigated, they found Mr. Scheel to have apparent injuries and was determined to be deceased. [10] On June 29, Christensen attended a memorial walk for Zhang with his girlfriend. Some parts 2023 Advameg, Inc. Crime rate in Champaign, Illinois (IL): murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers, crime map. [15][2] On June 17, Zhang's father, a paternal aunt (her father's sister-in-law), and her boyfriend arrived in Champaign to confer with authorities and to aid in the search. Champaign Police Department The day after he killed Zhang, Christensen claimed he put Zhang's dismembered body in three separate garbage bags which he then disposed of in the dumpster outside of his apartment. [44] Christensen was transferred to USP Coleman II in Florida in early 2020. [48], A documentary about Zhang's parents' search for justice, Finding Yingying, premiered at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival on August 27, 2020[49] and was released on December 11, 2020, by MTV Documentary Films. Recovery of Zhang's remains would be difficult and a search for her remains has not begun. It is believed that the homicide occurred between the dates of December 22-24, 1991. . CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. Two women were found shot in St. Joseph Township, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old . Her email is [email protected], and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). The son, and father of two, was 22 years old. They concluded that the car in the footage belonged to Christensen. Gacy assaulted and murdered at least 33 boys and young men in Chicago. [12] Christensen, born June 30, 1989, is a former Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois. As a result, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 18, 2019. "We're in a war when you think of homicide as a conflict, and we don't have enough boots on the ground," Hargrove said. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Laboratory Manual for Exercise Physiology, Second Edition With HKPropel Access, provides guided opportunities for students to translate their scientific understanding of exercise physiology into practical applications in a variety of settings. Her email is [email protected], and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Police investigations Lt. Ben Newell credited really good investigative work by Detective Steve Vogel in closing what had been considered a cold case. Champaign is currently growing at a rate of 0.81% annually and its population has increased by 2.46% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 88,302 in 2020. Often, the strife that leads to shootings is for no tangible reason. Social media, he said, has become a tool to call out others, or to quickly alert an ally to the location of a perceived enemy. There were 11 homicides in the two . [19] On August 19, Zhang's mother and younger brother also flew to the United States. Description: Mr. Jackson was last seen by his family on November 26, 2011 after leaving home to run errands. Champaign, IL 61820. Officers immediately began lifesaving attempts until the victim was able [], Charges Filed in July 14, 2022, Shooting Death Investigation, Arrest Made in Champaign Park Apartments Homicide, Champaign Police, Champaign County Sheriffs Office, and Champaign County Coroners Office Investigating Homicide, Champaign County States Attorneys Office, Homicide Investigation 3000 Block of Edward Hoffman Drive, One Deceased, Four injured, in Afternoon Shooting, Homicide Investigation- 500 Block East Beardsley Avenue, Warrant Issued, Suspect in Custody in Nov. 12 Homicide Investigation, Champaign Police Investigating Early Evening Homicide, Arrest Made in February 3, 2020, Homicide Investigation, Homicide Investigation 100 Block of North State Street. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. Cain, was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he will remain. "Magnificent Musical Pilgrimage" A Joint Concert by the Chamber Singers and Guitar Ensemble. Officers responded to reports of a possible shooting in the 1300 block of N. Chestnut. Five years later, it hit that record-setting number for both shootings and murders in the city. This week, the man accused of raping and murdering Wesselman was sentenced to 80 years in prison. In Champaign, Illinois you have a 1 in 144 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. The kidnapping and murder of Yingying Zhang occurred in Urbana, Illinois on June 9, 2017, when Zhang, a visiting Chinese scholar at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign, was abducted by Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident and former physics graduate student at the university. While most rates are declining, homicides tripled between 2018 and 2019. The investigation revealed Mr. Ledbetter was robbed and physically assaulted by three unknown assailants. Crime & Safety. Description: An officer was flagged down to check on an individual who had been found unconscious behind a building in the 00-100 block of E. Springfield Avenue. digital.media, The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana) Wed, 05/22/2019 - 5:00am Page 1; Page 2; .