08-07-2025
UPDATE: Coroner ID's Champaign shooting victim
Update at noon
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The 32-year-old man who died following a shooting in Champaign early Friday morning has been identified by the Champaign County Coroner.
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According to Coroner Laurie Brauer, 32-year-old Martez L. Jones Jr. of Urbana died following the shooting in the 1900 block of W Bradley Ave. that occurred at approximately 12:36 a.m. on July 4. After a brief time in critical condition and following an emergency surgery, Jones was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana at 2:10 a.m.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and this death is currently being investigated by the Champaign Police Department and the Champaign County Coroner's Office.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A 32-year-old Champaign man has died following a shooting in the early morning hours of the Fourth of July, and the police have begun a homicide investigation.
Champaign Police were dispatched to the 1900 block of W Bradley Ave. after multiple reports of a shooting with injuries were received at 12:36 a.m. on July 4. As officers searched the area for evidence of gunfire, a short time later, a 32-year-old Champaign man arrived at an area hospital by personal transport.
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The man was in critical condition and was immediately taken to surgery, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The initial investigation indicates that the man was outside of a business when multiple shots were fired. The person or persons responsible for the gunfire then fled the area, and the victim was transported to a hospital. On top of the man's injuries sustained, damage has also been reported to several vehicles.
At this time, officers are continuing to canvass the surrounding area for witnesses and video footage that may be of investigative assistance. Any person or business in the nearby area that has exterior surveillance camera systems is urged to notify the police department.
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Currently, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additionally, future updates may be provided as they become available. The Champaign Police Department thanks the Urbana and Parkland College Police Departments and the Champaign County Sheriff's Office for their help in this investigation.
The Champaign Police Department is asking anyone who has additional information to call them at 217-351-4545. Those wishing to stay anonymous are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, online at or on the P3 Tips app. Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards of $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest in any homicide case.
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