CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Two Champaign juveniles are facing charges following an investigation into a February shooting that left a man seriously injured.
According to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, a 16-year-old has been charged in juvenile court with one count of possession of a stolen firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms. Judge Chad Beckett ordered the teen detained at the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 30. If convicted, he could be committed to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice until his 21st birthday.
A 17-year-old, Damone Turner, has been charged as an adult with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and one count of attempted first-degree murder. Authorities said the attempted murder charge carries a possible sentence ranging from 31 years to natural life in prison due to the use of a firearm.
Turner is currently being held at the Champaign County Youth Detention Center and is scheduled for a detention hearing on March 23 at 10 a.m. in courtroom K.
The charges stem from a February 18 Champaign shooting that left a 27-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators with the Champaign Police Department said the victim and Turner had been communicating about cannabis sales prior to the shooting, and Turner was identified as the alleged shooter.
Search warrants executed during the investigation included Turner’s social media accounts and the residence of the 16-year-old, described as a friend of Turner. Police reported finding photos and videos showing both teens holding firearms at the residence. During a search of the home, officers recovered two firearms, including one that had been reported stolen.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department or Crime Stoppers.