‘We must create a level of unity': Decatur officials react after 3 shot in 3 days
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Three people have been shot in three days in Decatur. Now, activists, business owners and police officers aren't only reacting, but brainstorming ways to put a stop to violence like this.
Last weekend, a 34-year-old man was killed near Church and Leafland. A few days later, on April 18, a teenager was shot in broad daylight. On Sunday, a 21-year-old was hurt just steps away from Millikin University after police reported he was shot in the legs and neck. A few hours later, a 32-year-old man was shot in the leg.
At this point in the investigation, police don't believe the incidents are related. They are being investigated as separate incidents and no arrests have been made.
That doesn't change the fact that people are hurting, especially one community leader who's connected to the 21-year-old victim.
'It's a sad tragedy when you see a young person trying to do better, change his life, and success is at the end of that road,' Courtney Carson, a vice president at Richland Community College and community activist, said.
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The victim is enrolled in Carson's EnRich program at Richland Community, classes intended to transform lives and help people find careers they're passionate about. Now, his hard work is put on pause after Sunday's shooting.
'His life is hanging in the balance,' Carson said.
He's not the only shooting victim recovering in the hospital. A 32-year-old is as well, after police said he was shot in the leg on Sunday afternoon.
Decatur Police are investigating both crimes, as well as Friday's shooting when a 16-year-old was hurt.
'Any act of gun violence is concerning. The time of day goes to show you that there's a possibility people are going to do these things at any time,' Brad Allen, Decatur's Deputy Chief, said.
Three shootings in three days isn't a trend police want the community getting used to.
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'This isn't acceptable, and this isn't how we're going to be in Decatur,' Allen added.
The department's goal is to keep everyone safe, and he encourages anyone to speak up if they know something that could help solve a case.
Carson understands the importance of speaking up and wants to teach adults the right way to connect with kids who may be heading down the wrong path.
'Talk to the young people whom you know are carrying the guns. That you know is practicing criminal activity. Because essentially, that blood is on your hands,' Carson said.
He believes connecting with the right generation can make a long-term change, a change that both he and the police are ready to see in the city they call home.
'Hopefully, the community understands that it's our goal to combat this, and we'll work on it together,' Allen added.
On Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Community of Neighborhood Organizations (CONO) will host a public safety panel at the Decatur Public Library. The sheriff, the state's attorney and two police officers will be there to answer questions about neighborhood safety.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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