CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A homicide investigation is underway after a 45-year-old Champaign man was found dead early Tuesday morning near the railroad tracks close to Maple and Prairie Streets, according to the Champaign Police Department.
Officers responded to the area at approximately 6:12 a.m. after receiving a report of a deceased person near the tracks. When police arrived, they discovered the man had died from a gunshot wound. Authorities believe he had been dead for several hours before being found and was beyond any lifesaving measures.
Police said no 9-1-1 calls related to gunfire were reported overnight, making the exact timing of the incident unclear. The Champaign County Coroner has been notified, and detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Champaign Police Department is now asking for the community’s help. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators directly at 217-351-4545. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, online at 373tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
Officers are also canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and surveillance footage. Residents and businesses in the area with exterior cameras are encouraged to check their systems and contact police if anything suspicious is captured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of:
- $5,000 for tips leading to an arrest in a homicide,
- $2,500 for felony firearm-related arrests, and
- Up to $1,000 for tips that help solve other crimes.
Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous and handled through a third-party national call center. Caller ID and recordings are not used, ensuring the confidentiality of those who come forward.
