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 However, at some point after the purchase, his Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card was revoked, making him legally prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms.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.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.