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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night, leaving a 27-year-old man dead after being attacked by a group of individuals.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and sources close to the investigation, the victim, identified as Michael Arguy Hernandez Jr., was walking near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue when he was ambushed by a group of four people.
During the attack, Hernandez sustained a stab wound to the chest and multiple stab wounds to his back around 9:00 p.m.
Despite his injuries, Hernandez managed to walk a short distance before collapsing at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, where responding emergency personnel found him.
He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, whose apartment overlooks the scene, reported hearing screams at the time of the attack but initially dismissed them, believing it to be teenagers making noise earlier in the evening.
Hernandez’s grieving family has since spoken out about their devastating loss, remembering him as a bright and compassionate young man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother, in a heartfelt plea, described her son as someone with a passion for technology and video games, adding that “he loved his family above all else.”
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
A fundraiser has been organized to assist with Hernandez’s funeral expenses, with his family expressing gratitude for any support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
“Justice will be served for my son,” his mother declared. “Heaven has gained an angel.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).