URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Police have arrested a suspect and identified the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred early Friday morning in Urbana.
Urbana police officers responded to a report of a shooting with injuries at approximately 1:48 a.m. Jan. 16 in the 1200 block of Ellis Drive. An adult male suffering from a gunshot wound was found at the scene and transported to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he later died despite life-saving efforts.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Benancio Crowley, 52, of Champaign. Crowley was pronounced dead at 2:56 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Later Friday afternoon, Urbana police announced that 19-year-old Charles Lake was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Lake was arrested shortly after 2 p.m. in the 1900 block of Blackthorn Drive in Champaign following an ongoing investigation.
Police said the alleged shooter was not at the scene when officers initially arrived. Urbana Police detectives, along with Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, witnessed suspicious activity, or has surveillance or video footage to contact the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (217-373-8477) or online.
