1:00pm. Steve Chen. [2][27], During questioning on June 15, Christensen admitted that he had given an Asian female a ride,[12] but said that he dropped her off after only a few blocks when a wrong turn caused her to panic. Game Day. [18] This reward is the largest offered in the 31-year history of the Champaign Crime Stoppers organization. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. This interactive murder mystery event will have you questioning everyone, looking for clues, eavesd!! Born in Vietnam, Reginald is a graduate of the . after a warrant had been issued for his arrest for First-Degree Murder in connection to the shooting death of Scott Roth, 21, of Champaign. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. Spanning over 23 miles, Champaign has a population density of 3,962 people per square mile. Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. The rate for violent crimes including rape, homicide, robbery and aggravated assault was 406.9 per 100,000. The 10 Murder Capitals Of Illinois For 2021 1. Although she smiles and laughs when she remembers her son, Stateman Hoff, she will be grieving his loss for the rest of her days. digital.media, The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana) Wed, 05/22/2019 - 5:00am Page 1; Page 2; . That was the case in Champaign and Urbana, where property crimes last year amounted to about one-half the number during the peak years in the prior decade. He bled out, Willy-Ann Hoff said, her lip quivering. Its no different than trying to show off who has the most money. The U.S. murder rate jumped by 30% from 2019 to 2020, an increase attributed to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A+D Visitors Series Lecture: Ann Johnson. Tommy O'Connor. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of Forsynthia Dr., Champaign. One of these vehicles was registered to Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident. Its not necessarily about drugs or territory. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. Description: Champaign Police Officer Robert Tatman, service badge #80, was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop. Population 8,888. [2], On June 15, local police and FBI investigators questioned Christensen and executed a search warrant for his car. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive 56-year-old white male who had been physically battered and was without a pulse. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Topics: Illinois Champaign County Champaign . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. There were more violent crimes including homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault in the two cities in 2020 than at any time since 2010, according to the FBI data. [14] The university's large Chinese student population helped coordinate search efforts on and around campus. 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. Location of Occurrence: 1700 block of Gentry Square Ln., Champaign. Low 32F. Latest I-72 Champaign Illinois News Reports. The 2019 Urbana crime rate fell by 11% compared to 2018. On March 18, 2012, Mr. Jacksons body was discovered hidden in the backyard of a vacant house in the 1500 block of Hedge Rd., with suggestion that foul play was involved. [12] As the hours passed, Zhang's friends, aware of her errand and expecting her to return quickly, grew increasingly worried. Description: Officers responded to the 1200 block of Clock Street for a medical call that described Mr. Boyd as being found unconscious and bleeding. It is believed that the homicide occurred between the dates of December 22-24, 1991. He also doesnt believe its a gang problem per se, but rather, allegiances among friends. That was my last word to my child.. Every piece of information is valuable, and the partnership of everyday citizens makes all the difference in successfully bringing cases to a close. The task force took nearly 100 guns off the street last year. Almost weekly, young men charged with illegally possessing guns are asked in court why they have guns. 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. Darker colors represent the lowest and highest rates of diabetes prevalence in Illinois. When he came around family, he would always put a smile on his face and just kissy, kissy, just loving type of son, he reminisced. An affidavit filed by an FBI agent said that in the audio recording, Christensen told his girlfriend he had brought Zhang back to his apartment and held her there against her will. Mr. Henderson was determined deceased by an inflicted gunshot wound and foul play was suspected. The number of homicides stood at 1 - a decrease of 1 compared to 2018. He was never found. The fund is managed by the University of Illinois Foundation. [10] On June 29, Christensen attended a memorial walk for Zhang with his girlfriend. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. The suspect shot Mr. Thomas and fled the scene, running Westbound. Taylor had just exited a cab and was walking away when he was struck from behind and battered by an unknown suspect who took his wallet and fled. [12] Christensen, born June 30, 1989, is a former Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. Partly cloudy skies. Discuss Champaign, Illinois (IL) on our hugely popular Illinois forum. Its no secret that there are often several casings, and in some shootings, were starting to see rifle rounds, he said. 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. According to police, on December 8, Police arrested Arieana F. Colbert,. 77 people were shot in Champaign last year. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Learn More. Upon arrival, officers discovered three shooting victims outside of a private residence: a 20-year-old male and 42- and 34-year-old female. Two of the other homicides were caused by beatings and the third from a stabbing. View a list of counties and date spans in Illinois Statewide Death Index . Long said that Zhang's body still being missing weighed against Christensen, and that Christensen was the last person to see Zhang. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. The task of entering all Illinois deaths before 1916 is far from complete. The Clery Act is a federal law that requires universities to collect and report crime statistics and campus safety policies. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Low 32F. Description: Officers responded to the 400 block of East Hill St. for reports of shots heard. [7] [4] She played in a band and had ambitions of becoming a professor in China. Foul play is suspected. Add new comment; Original article; Share News Clip; RELATED ARTICLES . Hinamatsuri: Japanese Doll Festival (Sold Out) at Japan House, Urbana IL. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of East Hill St., Champaign. DAndre Miller, 34, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Evidence suggests that Mr. Simmons death was a homicide, and is believed to have occurred within a 24-hour period of him being found. Date of Occurrence: March 11, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m. Date/Time of Occurrence: November 25, 1967, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Stateman Hoffs life was cut short when a fight broke out at a party in northwest Champaign in 2016. Abusers' suicide deaths following attempted homicide, assault, or homicide threats. Location of Occurrence: 2600 block of Lawndale Dr., Champaign Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. They dont have a normal chain of command or a certain code like back in the late 1980s or 90s with the Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords where orders were given, things were done. 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. [23] However, they determined that there were 18 four-door Saturn Astras registered to owners in the Champaign County area. [26] At the time of Zhang's murder, Christensen was in an open marriage, while also dating a girlfriend. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr. Ledbetter who was unresponsive near a park bench. Thats not what were talking about. [13], The leasing agent sent a text message to her at approximately 2:38p.m., but received no reply. 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? Tickets are limited and will go quickly! Expand. Communication or a physical encounter is not something they wish to partake in, he theorized. Jawed Karim. Forensic evaluations returned to Police would determine that Ms. Butler had been sexually assaulted and that her death involved foul play. (The US average is 22.7) Champaign property crime is 42.3. This week, the man accused of raping and murdering Wesselman was sentenced to 80 years in prison. 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? [10] After picking up Zhang later that morning and taking her back to his apartment, Christensen choked, raped, and stabbed her in his bedroom before dragging her to his bathroom where he beat her with a baseball bat and decapitated her. 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. On July 14, 2022, at approximately 5:14 a.m., Champaign Police responded to the 400 block of E. Beardsley Avenue for a report of a shooting with injury. which is the worst way to die.. Brendt Christensen, 29, avoided the death penalty after a 12-person jury reportedly could not reach a unanimous . Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. His wife was out of town the weekend of the murder. Dan Morgan, of the Urbana Police Department, is hopeful that new DNA evidence will lead to the person who killed 21-year-old University of . There was a fire reported at his. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Police said an investigation done then suggested that an unknown person or people forced their way into the home and fired multiple rounds at Mr. Hobbs before fleeing. Champaign Police Department In early December 2019, Christensen reported to USP McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky to begin serving his life sentence. Feb. 23: Tenesha Jenkins, 34, beaten and smothered in her home in the 2200 block of Dale Drive, Champaign; Antoine Craig,38, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Editorial | Murders up across the U.S., not just in Champaign-Urbana. [39][4] During sentencing deliberations, the jury could not unanimously agree to sentence Christensen to death. 1 dead after single vehicle crash in Champaign County. Description: Officers responded to the 100 block of North State St. for the report of a robbery. Despite a record 17 homicides in 2021, Vogel was able to dig back into Mr. Hobbs death several months ago. [2][29] Christensen bragged to his girlfriend that he was a serial killer and that Zhang was his thirteenth victim, but investigators were unable to find any other victims, and doubted this claim. I said, Okay, I love you,' Hoff shared. Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. [], On July 1, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Champaign Police were called to the 100 Block of North State Street for the report of a robbery. 0. 17 E. Taylor Street. THE TWO POPES (2019) May 31, 2023. 17 people, including teenagers, lost their lives. The U.S. murder rate rose 30% between 2019 and 2020 - the largest single-year increase in more than a century, according to data published this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nov. 26: Alan T. Harden, 31, of Decatur, shot multiple times in the 2500 block of Leeper Court; no arrests. I find it embarrassing, said Griffet, who said theres a large number of young men involved in gun violence for whom diplomacy is a foreign concept. [23], Investigators were unable to discern the license plate number of the vehicle from security camera footage. Of 15 murders in Champaign County during 2020, the instrument of death for 12 of those people was a gun. Griffet is also assigned by his department to the U.S. In 2020, 57 were shot, and 34 in 2019. Champaign man who fatally shot friend outside American Legion gets 65 years. Team members will work to link people with resources and services available in the community. Theres no question about that, and as a law enforcement officer, something Ive done for the last 24 years, I take it personally.. RANTOUL - Mary Jane Bryan, 92, of Rantoul passed away Sunday (Feb. 19, 2023). 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. Aug 2019 - Dec 2019 5 months. Community Services Investigations Webpage Upon arrival, officers located 34-year-old Latoya Gwin [] View Website. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217- 373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or the P3 Tips mobile app. Willy-Ann Hoff is a staple at C-U non-profit HV Neighborhood Transformation these days. [9] She was considering entering a doctoral program at the University of Illinois. CPD is always working to update this webpage. Location of Occurrence: 800 block of N. Randolph St., Champaign. The information below is shared with hope to gain new information from the public concerning unsolved homicide investigations. In Illinois, the homicide rate was 9.1 per 100,000 people, the highest rate since 1996. There were 11 homicides in the two . Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Description: On December 24, 1991, Officers responded to Ms. Hulls residence after receiving a report that she had been found unresponsive with traumatic injury. The 2019 crime rate in Champaign, IL is 365 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 1.3 times greater than the U.S. average. Urbana, IL 444 contributions. Although, the effort overlaps some. All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. [45], On October 11, 2018, a memorial garden was dedicated in honor of Zhang at the corner of North Goodwin Avenue and West Clark Street. People who live in Champaign generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min The individual was [], On June 5, 2021, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of Fifth Street and Beardsley Avenue for a reported shooting.