Law enforcement agencies then placed Christensen under continuous surveillance, beginning on or about June 16. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Nobody fist fights. 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 . Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. In early December 2019, Christensen reported to USP McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky to begin serving his life sentence. Description: On December 24, 1991, Officers responded to Ms. Hulls residence after receiving a report that she had been found unresponsive with traumatic injury. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. 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. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 254.8. Co-founder of YouTube. Nevertheless, Aurora has a disturbing number of violent and non-violent crimes. Reginald Hardwick is the News & Public Affairs Director for the Illinois Newsroom. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Crime & Safety. Deputy Chief Coon oversees the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force. Gun sales also soared during the pandemic, and 77 percent of the homicides last year were committed with a firearm. Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. The 2019 Urbana crime rate fell by 11% compared to 2018. 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. Minutes later, a passing motorist used Tatmans squad car radio to notify dispatch that there was an unresponsive policeman lying near his vehicle. Location of Occurrence: 1200 block of Clock St., Champaign. Dave Griffet, a police officer for 30 years. The [], On October 6, 2020, at approximately 11:12 a.m., the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force and United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested DAndre Miller, 33, of Champaign, for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 3, 2020, homicide. B. 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. They concluded that the car in the footage belonged to Christensen. Click here to see our subscription options. As is the case in much of the country, criminal violence is becoming more common in Danville. A press release from CPD says the findings are consistent with crime trends nationwide. Super 8 by Wyndham in Champaign, IL. That was my last word to my child.. Graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The task force took nearly 100 guns off the street last year. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The fund is managed by the University of Illinois Foundation. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. Front Desk: 217-351-4545 Just. [50], The case was re-enacted as "Far From Home" on the Investigation Discovery television network true crime series See No Evil in season 6, episode 5 (2020).[51]. Case details: Homicide investigation of Mary Ann Becker (15,000 reward) On Sept. 9, 1974, between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Mary Ann Becker was discovered dead inside her home in Atkinson. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). [23], Investigators were unable to discern the license plate number of the vehicle from security camera footage. He bled out, Willy-Ann Hoff said, her lip quivering. Jan 30, 1991. Christensen was tried and convicted of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to agents of the FBI, but the jury deadlocked on whether or not to impose the death penalty. 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. 17 people, including teenagers, lost their lives. "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. Hinamatsuri: Japanese Doll Festival (Sold Out) at Japan House, Urbana IL. The 34-year-old female, identified as Ms. Cobb, succumbed to her injuries a short time after the incident occurred. She developed the ancillary materials for the sixth edition of Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription in addition to coauthoring the seventh edition. [44] Christensen was transferred to USP Coleman II in Florida in early 2020. He is the brother of Keith Campbell, 30, who is awaiting trial for murder in the July 2018 fatal shooting of Martez Taylor outside a house party in Urbana. The fund will be used to support international students in crisis and their families. 82 E. University Ave. [11], Zhang then walked to another bus stop a few blocks away at the corner of North Goodwin Avenue and West Clark Street, directly in front of the university's PBS radio and television station, WILL. Date of Occurrence: Found March 18, 2012 If you have any information about any incident, you can call police directly or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Champaign police said Friday that Keonte Campbell, 35, who is currently serving a prison sentence for selling crack cocaine, has been charged with the fatal shooting of Dehrone Hobbs, 38. Despite a record 17 homicides in 2021, Vogel was able to dig back into Mr. Hobbs death several months ago. Biden defends Afghanistan exit, Newsfeed Now: Last US troops leave Afghanistan; Man, Newsfeed Now: US racing to finish Afghanistan withdrawal;, Newsfeed Now: The nation mourns after US service, Celebrating Central Illinois: First Responders, Fallen officer Chris Oberheims partner opens up, Plans move forward for Urbana solar farm that could, Champaign community raises $25,000 and counting for, Champaign Co. deputys passion to serve stronger, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [10], On June 24, 2019, the 12-member jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning its verdict. Communication or a physical encounter is not something they wish to partake in, he theorized. Date of Occurrence: August 20, 2020, at approximately 1:51 a.m. Location of Occurrence: 900 Block of N. Third St., Champaign. This week, the man accused of raping and murdering Wesselman was sentenced to 80 years in prison. One of the victims, Mr. Vonner, was fatally injured and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. There was also a larger number of assaults at 356. There were 13 homicides in Danville in 2020, or 17.4 per 100,000 people -- well more than double the 6.5 per 100,000 national murder rate. at Parkland College Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, CHAMPAIGN Illinois. After resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, Mr. Ledbetter was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Champaign, IL . Location of Occurrence: 1500 block of Hedge Rd., Champaign. Cain was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he will remain pending future court proceedings. 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min [10] On June 29, Christensen attended a memorial walk for Zhang with his girlfriend. Community Services Investigations Webpage 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. 1. [], On November 12, 2020, at approximately 5:17 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of the 600 block of East Eureka Street for a reported shooting. 17 E. Taylor Street. Towels were all over as if the laundry was done right in the office lobby. Aug. 15: Christopher Kelly, 23, of Champaign, gunned down in a parking in the 900 block of Bloomington Road; Trevoy Fonville, 24, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. Date of Occurrence: August 9, 2014, at approximately 10:03 a.m. 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. [12] Investigators noted that the passenger door of his car "appeared to have been cleaned to a more diligent extent than the other vehicle doors", which they said "may be indicative of an attempt or effort to conceal or destroy evidence". The quotes are taken from paragraph 24 of the Manganaro affidavit affixed to Criminal Complaint 17-MJ-7132, filed on June 30, 2017 in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Seems like theres a curse in this town, seems like theres a dark cloud, Hoff told WCIA 3 Thursday. There were just about twice as many shots fired in Champaign County in 2020 as there were the year before. The gun violence in the city has escalated since Stateman Hoffs death. Aug 18, 1978. Date of Occurrence: July 1, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m. 82 E. University Ave. Freres revealed more details from the investigation not presented in the criminal complaint. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Roper, Champaign. [20], Several citizens had reported seeing an Asian woman matching Zhang's description in Salem, Illinois on June 16. Officers learned the victim had sustained life-threatening injuries during this event and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. [23] However, they determined that there were 18 four-door Saturn Astras registered to owners in the Champaign County area. The previous high was four. in our local parks & preserves. Its no different than trying to show off who has the most money. Vogel recognized that and thought this could be the suspects blood on the pants. 77 people were shot in Champaign last year. Chicago Tribune. [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. Two women were found shot in St. Joseph Township, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old . 1201), Making false statements (18 U.S.C. People who live in Champaign County generally consider the southeast part of the county to be the safest for this type of crime. His mother said a bullet to the abdomen took him away from her. . As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. Champaign, Illinois, United States . East St. Louis Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 3 /10 Population: 26,277 Rank Last Year: 68 Murders: 36 (2nd Most) Murders Per 100k: 137.0 (Most) More on East St. Louis: Data | Photos 2. Mr. Henderson was determined deceased by an inflicted gunshot wound and foul play was suspected. Most officers dont even carry 50 bullets on their person, said Champaign police Sgt. Description: Officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a person found deceased. Champaign, IL 61820. Cain, was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he will remain. Game Day. July 1: Todd Ledbetter, 56, homeless of Champaign, beaten to death; found on a bench on State Street, across from West Side Park in Champaign; no arrests. The 10 Murder Capitals Of Illinois For 2021 1. He believes social media is a factor. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. The Champaign Police Department has made an arrest in a July 14, 2022, shooting death investigation, officially ruling it a Homicide. Feb 20, 2015 at 10:25 am. When the car they were in was ultimately stopped, police found an AR-15 assault rifle, two handguns and a drum magazine that can hold 50 to 100 bullets. Zhang has one younger brother, Zhengyang. She was never seen alive again. Urbana, IL 444 contributions. Auto thefts and arson are shocking high at 144 and 17, respectively. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. July 27: Richard J. Wright, 23, of Champaign; died from stabbing about 3 a.m. at 1404 Silver Street; no arrests. Previously, he was a news producer and manager at the NBC station in Dallas, where he won 7 Emmy awards. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Wish they were still in business. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. Campbell is currently serving an eight-year sentence for selling crack cocaine in the summer of 2019. Tickets are limited and will go quickly! Your chance of being a victim of murder in Champaign may be as high as 1 in 9,241 in the east neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 26,751 in the south . O'Connor killed a police officer and was scheduled to be executed when he escaped. 52 shots fired incidents reported in first 14 weeks of 2021. The dumpster in which Christensen placed Zhang's remains was emptied three days later and the contents taken to a private landfill in Vermilion County, compacted at least twice, spread over an area fifty yards wide, and subsequently buried under thirty feet of garbage. Partly cloudy skies. Your chance of being a victim of murder in Champaign County may be as high as 1 in 9,135 in the central neighborhoods, or as . 03/04/2023. Low 32F. PEORIA, Ill. (WLS) -- During opening statements in the trial of a man accused of killing a Chinese scholar at the University of Illinois Wednesday, the defense for Brendt Christensen acknowledged. Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old male suffering from a single life-threatening gunshot wound to the chest. The investigation revealed that Hull had been physically assaulted, including sustaining multiple stab wounds. Its no secret that there are often several casings, and in some shootings, were starting to see rifle rounds, he said. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. 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. Oct. 8: Martin Morrow, 29, of Urbana, shot multiple times in the middle of West William Street near Duncan Road; no arrests. . 1 dead after single vehicle crash in Champaign County. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Mr. Roth, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. At a courthouse thousands of miles from his home in China, a father pleaded with a killer to tell him where his daughter's body was last placed. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. Date/Time of Occurrence: November 25, 1967, at approximately 1:00 a.m. She was the daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie Maurer. Date of Occurrence: November 13, 2020, at approximately 3:22 p.m. [2] Zhang planned to marry her boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou, in October 2017. Dec. 28: Lisa Lewis, 36, of Champaign, shot multiple times in a car in the 2000 block of Moreland Boulevard, C; no arrests. Location of Occurrence: 300 block of East Hill St., Champaign. The police department is also . 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. Not at a what I expected of a Wyndham Hotel property. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. [4] She played in a band and had ambitions of becoming a professor in China. Location of Occurrence: W. Church St., West of Mattis Ave., Champaign. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. Policing must continue to be part of the solution to crime prevention, as well as programs like one being tried in Urbana where a police officer and a social worker will follow up on people involved in mental-health and behavioral-health crises. [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. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Urbana, is 1 in 35. All sales are final. While Mount Vernon takes the cake for most dangerous city statewide overall, there's nowhere more violent in Illinois than Danville. Homicide of Montrez Vonner Date of Occurrence: March 11, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m. All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. [40][41], Following the trial, prosecutors revealed information about Zhang's remains that Christensen divulged through his attorneys in November 2018 under an immunity agreement. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. View a list of counties and date spans in Illinois Statewide Death Index . Every piece of information is valuable, and the partnership of everyday citizens makes all the difference in successfully bringing cases to a close. Description: Officers responded to the 1200 block of Clock Street for a medical call that described Mr. Boyd as being found unconscious and bleeding. [30], On June 30, the FBI arrested Christensen and charged him with kidnapping under Title 18 U.S.C. Topics: Illinois Champaign County Champaign . Upon arrival, Mr. McKinney was found lying in the open doorway of his home, with an apparent gunshot wound. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Date of Occurrence: December 17, 2012, at approximately 7:22 p.m. She was running late and sent a text message to the leasing agent at 1:39p.m. to inform them that she would arrive at approximately 2:10p.m.[2] After riding on one bus, she exited at 1:52p.m. and tried to transfer to another. Description: Mr. Jackson was last seen by his family on November 26, 2011 after leaving home to run errands. Partly cloudy skies. Champaign Police contacted the father of the reported missing juvenile, who informed police the juvenile left the familys residence at approximately 5 p.m. [2][10][24][25] Christensen married in March 2011, and started graduate school in 2013. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in math and physics and graduated with a master's degree in physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May 2017. 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. Description: Officers responded to the 800 block of N. Randolph after receiving reports of shots fired in the neighborhood. 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? [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. . Griffet heads up the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency body of area detectives who investigate drug offenses. "Magnificent Musical Pilgrimage" A Joint Concert by the Chamber Singers and Guitar Ensemble. Description: Mr. Thomas and his wife were reported to have arrived in Champaign to help Thomass mother-in-law to relocate. But criminologists noted that nationally, not all violent crimes increased, and property crime the most common type of crime actually decreased by 8 percent. 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. Description: Officers were dispatched to assist Champaign Fire for a report of a deceased subject. Jackson is described as a Black male, 511, approximately 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. The bond on the warrant was set at $2 million. He was also sentenced to prison in 2011 for second-degree murder in the July 1, 2011, fatal shooting of Nathan Barker, 26, of Champaign, and in 2006 for possession of a controlled substance. Mahomet has 2 large forest preserves, extremely convenient location to get to Champaign shopping, work, and downtown. Feb 28, 2023 at 11:23 am. And she suspects before, or sentenced to death", "Champaign Man Arrested, Charged with Kidnapping Visiting Scholar", "Flowers, anger, regret as accused kidnapper indicted", "Grand Jury Indicts Champaign Man on Charge of Kidnapping", "Accused kidnapper's attorney says he'll plead not guilty today", "Defense in trial of China scholar's brutal death: He did it", "In opening statement, attorney admits Brendt Christensen abducted, killed Chinese scholar at University of Illinois", "Brendt Christensen found guilty in Yingying Zhang's kidnapping, killing", "Life in prison for man convicted of killing Chinese student", "A father's plea to a killer: Tell us where our daughter's remains are", "Yingying Zhang's Family Told Her Body Likely In Landfill Near Danville, But 'May Be Impossible' To Recover", "Finding Yingying Zhang's Remains 'May Be Impossible' Family Says After New Details Surface", "Brendt Christensen Moved to Kentucky Prison to Serve Out Life Sentence", "UI again files motion to have lawsuit from slain scholar's family dismissed", "Visiting Scholar From China, Remembered With A Garden At U Of I", "Memorial garden dedicated to missing scholar Yingying Zhang", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Yingying_Zhang&oldid=1142917489, Anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States, Anti-Chinese violence in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 5 March 2023, at 00:55. The son, and father of two, was 22 years old. 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. Date of Occurrence: February 15, 2006, at approximately 11:25 a.m. The victim was rushed to a local hospital; however, he did not survive his injuries. Theres no question about that, and as a law enforcement officer, something Ive done for the last 24 years, I take it personally.. In Illinois, the homicide rate was 9.1 per 100,000 people, the highest rate since 1996. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Population: 12,671,469 United States VIOLENT CRIMES Population: 331,888,310 Property Crime Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents) 100 75 50 25 0 14.84 National Median: 19 Illinois My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Property Crime 1 in 67 in Illinois Illinois Property CRIMES Population: 12,671,469 United States Property CRIMES Officers located Ms. Melchi inside her residence, with evidence suggesting that foul play was involved in her death. But there was a distressing increase in violent crimes, particularly homicides. If your loved ones picture does not appear on this page, please email us at, IACP and NAACP Shared Principles Agreement, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request, Citizen Review of Police Complaints Working Group, Charges Filed in October 24, 2021, Shooting Investigation, City Staff Attend Library Community Job Fair, Charges Filed in January 3, 2023, Shooting Investigation. 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 . You can also share information anonymously toChampaign County Crime Stoppers. A 21-year-old Champaign man was shot and killed early Sunday in north Champaign, the second homicide of 2019 in that city. Judge Roger Webber said surveillance video from the area where Darin Mitchell, 48, of Champaign, was shot on Aug. 23 . Although, the effort overlaps some. Partly cloudy skies. Jan 1, 1979. . 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. $48/person. 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. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. Aug. 20: Jasma Cobb, 34, of Urbana, shot to death outside a house in the 400 block of East Hill Street, where a relative had died of natural causes; two others wounded; no arrests. And with drugs and cash there are usually guns present to keep that stash intact. The rate of murder in Champaign County is 0.06 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Make a night of it! A young man displays a certain gun on a video and someone else wants to mimic that. 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. 1:00pm. Officer Tatman was pronounced deceased on the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. 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. Champaign, IL 61820.