Crime
Bloomington Police Investigate Murder-Suicide That Left Four Dead
BLOOMINGTON, IL – Authorities in central Illinois are investigating a tragic murder-suicide that claimed the lives of three individuals before the gunman fatally shot himself on Sunday afternoon.
According to a Monday night statement from the Bloomington Police Department (BPD), a preliminary investigation revealed that 33-year-old Christopher Simmons of Bloomington was responsible for the fatal shootings of:
- Chelsea Lusher, 31 – Simmons’ girlfriend
- Armoni Bennett, 13 – Lusher’s son
- Trina Hollings, 33 – A friend of Lusher
The shootings occurred at a residence in the 900 block of North Lee Street.
A fourth resident of the home discovered the gruesome scene and immediately called 911.
Authorities arrived at the location, where they pronounced all four individuals dead at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Each victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to investigators.
BPD confirmed that Simmons had legally purchased the firearm used in the crime in 2021. However, at some point after the purchase, his Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card was revoked, making him legally prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms.
Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating:
“Our entire department mourns because of the unfortunate loss of life in our community. We stand for all who were victimized and offer our thoughts and prayers. Life is so precious, and we will remain anchored in justice while working with the community to enhance the quality of life here in Bloomington.”
Chief Simington also praised the efforts of officers and investigators, emphasizing that the delay in releasing details was necessary to ensure a thorough investigation and respect the victims’ families.
The Bloomington Police Department and the McLean County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the deadly shooting.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Detective Kevin Raisbeck at 309-434-2593 or via email at kraisbeck@cityblm.org.
For those experiencing domestic violence or crisis situations, several resources are available:
- Safe Connections Crisis Helpline: 314-531-2003 (Text available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday)
- ALIVE (Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments): 314-993-2777 (Franklin County Hotline: 800-941-9144)
- The Women’s Safe House: 314-772-4535 (24-hour support)
- Illinois Domestic Violence Resources: 211illinois.org
Authorities urge residents to seek help if they or someone they know is in a dangerous situation, reinforcing the importance of community awareness and support in preventing further tragedies.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”