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.
Houston, TX – March 13, 2025 – A Houston man has been charged with murder following the death of his wife inside their home, while the victim’s family is seeking help in locating her missing dogs.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to a residence on Emma Forest Street early March 12, 2025, after receiving reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, officers encountered 34-year-old Chance Zane Chavez, who was reportedly covered in blood.
Officers secured Chavez and proceeded to search the home, where they discovered the lifeless body of his wife, 32-year-old Kristen Chavez, inside a bedroom.
She had suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following an initial investigation, HPD detectives arrested Chance Zane Chavez and formally charged him with murder.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, and the case remains under investigation.
In addition to seeking justice for Kristen, her family is searching for her missing dogs, which were not found at the residence.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with additional details related to the case to come forward.