Crime
7-year-old child killed in Urbana home invasion identified
Urbana, IL – The Urbana Police Department is investigating a fatal home invasion and shooting that left two people dead, including a 7-year-old child, on Saturday evening, February 8, 2025.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting with injuries in the 900 block of Lanore Drive shortly before 8:00 p.m.
The location is situated just south of the Brookens Administrative Center, near the intersection of Lanore Drive and Washington Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 7-year-old child, identified as Darnell “DJ” Wicks, suffering from gunshot wounds. The child was immediately transported to the hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
Shortly after the child was taken for emergency medical treatment, officers located a 43-year-old Melvin Braxton near the scene, also suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The identities of both victims are being withheld pending notification of their families.
Authorities believe the shooting was the result of a home invasion, though additional details surrounding the circumstances have not yet been released.
The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case and continues to actively investigate.
This tragic incident comes just one day after an 18-year-old was fatally shot in Urbana in an unrelated shooting on Friday night.
Investigators are currently canvassing the area in search of witnesses and video surveillance footage that could provide critical information.
Residents and business owners with exterior security cameras in the area are urged to contact the Urbana Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Urbana Police Department’s non-emergency line at (217) 384-2320.
To remain anonymous, individuals can submit tips to Champaign County Crime Stoppers through the following methods:
📞 Call: (217) 373-8477
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any tip leading to an arrest in a homicide investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino, leaving one man dead and another injured. Prince George’s County Police confirmed the fatality in a statement released on social media.
According to investigators, two adult men were struck by gunfire during the incident.
One victim was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
The second victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury after a bullet grazed him and was treated at the scene or a nearby medical facility.
Police stated that the suspect fled the location immediately after the shooting and remains at large.
At this time, officials have not released information regarding what led up to the incident. However, investigators emphasized that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims or provided a suspect description.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Prince George’s County Police as the search for the shooter continues.