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 However, at some point after the purchase, his Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card was revoked, making him legally prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms.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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.