URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer released the name of the two victims of a shooting in Urbana Saturday night. The victims have been identified as seven-year-old Darnell “DJ” Wicks and 43-year-old Melvin Braxton.
DJ Wicks was pronounced dead at 8:28 p.m. at the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department. Melvin Braxton succumbed to his injuries in a Carle operating room just over an hour later, at 9:30 p.m.
Authorities were called to the 900 block of Lanore Drive at 7:39 p.m. Saturday following reports of a shooting with injuries. DJ Wicks was found with gunshot wounds and transported to the hospital. Braxton was discovered nearby, also suffering from gunshot wounds, and was taken to Carle for treatment.
ORIGINAL STORY: https://chambanatoday.sagacom.com/news/298892-urbana-home-invasion-claims-lives-of-child-and-man/
The heartbreaking event follows a separate fatal shooting on Friday night in the 2000 block of Vawter Street, where 18-year-old Sherman D. McCraney of Urbana was shot multiple times and later died at Carle Foundation Hospital. Despite the proximity in time, police have stated the two incidents are likely unrelated.
Investigators continue to search for leads. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents and businesses in the area with exterior surveillance cameras are being asked to assist by reviewing footage and sharing any relevant recordings.
Individuals with information can contact Urbana police at 217-384-2320. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS (8477), online at 373tips.com, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.