3rd teen arrested in Champaign shooting that left a 14-year-old with ‘potentially life-threatening' injuries

Yahoo

4 days ago

CHAMPAIGN — A third teenager was arrested in connection to a Champaign shooting earlier this month that left a 14-year-old injured.
Champaign Police responded to the area of Third Street and Beardsley Avenue around 5 p.m. on July 15 for a report of a shooting with injuries. Once on the scene, officers found a 14-year-old boy with multiple 'potentially life-threatening' gunshot wounds.
PREVIOUSLY: Champaign shooting leaves one person with 'potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds'
First responders provided medical aid until the victim could be brought to the hospital; he has since been released and continues to recover, police said.
A 15-year-old and 16-year-old from Champaign were arrested on the night of the incident. On Thursday, July 31, police said a 17-year-old male from Champaign was arrested for his role in the incident. Because all three suspects are minors, the police department is unable to share their names.
All three teenagers allegedly involved in the shooting are being held in the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center.
Champaign County State's Attorney Julie Rietz said the 16-year-old and the 17-year-old teenagers are being tried as adults; they are both facing charges of aggravated battery with a firearm.
The 16-year-old was detained following a detention hearing on July 18, 2025. He will appear in court again Aug. 18 for a preliminary hearing. The 17-year-old will appear in court on Friday for arraignment.
The 15-year-old is also charged with aggravated battery with a firearm. But, because of his age, he is charged in the juvenile court. The State's Attorneys Office has filed a petition to transfer his case to adult court, and the 15-year-old will appear in court for a status hearing on Aug. 1.
Aggravated battery with a firearm is a Class X felony. Rietz said it is punishable by six to 30 years in prison.
Police investigated after the shooting, and they learned that the victim was outside of an apartment complex when suspects approached and began to shoot. The victim was shot multiple times before the offenders fled. Police found evidence of gunfire, including multiple shell casings and damage to a building. Two guns were also recovered.
Two Champaign teens arrested, accused of shooting 14-year-old
Although three people have been arrested, the investigation continues. Anyone with additional information can call the police department at 217-351-4545. To submit an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), visit their website, or the 'P3 Tips' mobile app. Police added that future updates may be provided as they learn more.
The Champaign Police Department also thanked the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Task Force for their assistance in the investigation.
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