Brandon McClendon, a 25-year-old African American male from Champaign, Illinois, tragically lost his life on March 17, 2022, due to a gunshot wound. The incident occurred on the evening of March 16, 2022, when Champaign Police were dispatched to the 400 block of Ginger Bend Drive following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Brandon McClendon with life-threatening gunshot wounds to his torso outside an apartment. Despite immediate medical aid provided on the scene and subsequent transportation to Carle Foundation Hospital, McClendon succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted.
The investigation into Brandon McClendon's death quickly led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. On March 18, 2022, Cherell Ingram, a 35-year-old resident of Champaign, was charged with four counts of murder and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Ingram was taken into custody and held at the Champaign County Correctional Center. The charges against Ingram were a result of a thorough investigation by the Champaign Police Department, which included canvassing the area and locating a crime scene at a nearby apartment building.
The case against Cherell Ingram is ongoing, with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office actively pursuing the charges. The community and local law enforcement have been instrumental in providing information that has aided the investigation. Despite the arrest, the police continue to seek additional information from the public to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to McClendon's death. The Champaign Police Department has encouraged anyone with further details to come forward, offering avenues for anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Brandon McClendon's untimely death has left a significant impact on the Champaign community, highlighting the ongoing issues of gun violence and the need for continued efforts to address such crimes. The legal proceedings against Cherell Ingram will determine the final outcome of this tragic case, as the justice system works to provide closure for McClendon's family and friends.
