Local News
Missing 14-year-old Harleigh Shew found safe
Update: She has been found safe.
Authorities and family members are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Harleigh Shew, a 14-year-old female who has been reported missing from Harrisburg, Illinois, and may be in the Mt. Vernon area.
Missing Since: December 27, 2025
Description
- Age: 14
- Sex: Female
- Race: White
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 100 pounds
- Hair: Brown/blonde with pink coloring
- Eyes: Blue
Harleigh was last seen on Saturday evening at approximately 10:45 p.m. leaving a friend’s residence in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Family members report she may have left with a 19-year-old male identified only as Ethan, last name unknown, who is believed to be from Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
It is possible Harleigh is currently in or around the Mt. Vernon area with this individual.
At the time she was last seen, Harleigh was wearing:
- Black leggings
- A light pink hoodie
- A black jacket
- Cheetah-print shoes
Harleigh was in possession of her cellphone; however, it has since been turned off, and her family has not had any contact with her since she left the residence.
Anyone who has seen Harleigh Shew, knows her current whereabouts, or has any information that may assist in locating her is urged to contact law enforcement immediately:
- Mt. Vernon Police Department: 618-242-2131
- Harrisburg Police Department: 618-252-4528
You may also contact her mother:
- Kelsey Sanford: 618-771-7451
Please share this information to help bring Harleigh home safely.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.