14-year-old arrested for overnight Decatur murder: Police

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A 14-year-old boy is facing first degree murder charges in Decatur after police said he was connected to a deadly battery and shooting that happened overnight.

Officials with the Decatur Police Department said officers were informed around midnight of a battery in the area of Monroe Street near Grand Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 63-year-old man dead.

Officials said the man had bruising on his face and a gunshot wound to his lower body. A shell casing was found near the body.

Based on information obtained in the investigation, the Decatur Police Department obtained a search warrant for a home a block north of the crime scene. As a result of the investigation, a 14-year-old was arrested for first degree murder.

Due to state law, Decatur Police cannot release the boy’s name, but officials did say he is on parole through the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. At this time, the boy is being held in Peoria.

The investigation into the murder is ongoing. Anyone who has further information about it is asked to contact the Decatur Police Department at 217-424-2734 or Macon County Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477.

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