14-Year-Old Male Arrested For First Degree Murder In Early Morning Death Of 63-Year-Old Male

On July 8, 2024, at approximately 12:01 a.m., the Decatur Police Department responded to a residence in the 1300 block of N. Monroe Street regarding a battery. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 63-year-old male with suspected bruising to the facial area and an apparent gunshot wound to the lower body.

A neighborhood canvas was conducted to locate witnesses and evidence while detectives with the Decatur Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division processed the crime scene. Detectives located a shell casing near the deceased 63-year-old male. Based on information obtained, the Decatur Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of N. Monroe Street.

As a result of the investigation, a 14-year-old male was arrested for First Degree Murder and is being detained at the Peoria County Juvenile Detective Center. The 14-year-old male is on aftercare (parole) through the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Due to the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Decatur Police Department cannot release the name of the 14- year-old.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Decatur Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (217) 424-2734 or Crimestoppers at (217) 423-8477.