Derek J. Banker Barnett, a 30-year-old male from Springfield and Virden, Illinois, tragically lost his life on November 10, 2021. Born on September 7, 1991, in Springfield, Derek was the son of Jeffrey L. Barnett and Marlene Banker. He was a student at Lincoln Land Community College, enrolled in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration program. Derek was known for his love of bowling, playing darts, and listening to the Grateful Dead. He cherished spending time with his brother, Justin, and his dog, Ladybird. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of his family and friends.
Derek's death was a result of a gunshot wound, and his body was discovered in a car in an alley near the intersection of South Wirt and Cornell avenues in Springfield. The U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force found his body while they were in the area apprehending a wanted subject. The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, pronounced Derek dead at the scene and confirmed that his death was being investigated as a homicide.
The investigation into Derek's death led to the arrest of LaMarcus Hunter, a 32-year-old male from Belleville, Illinois. Hunter was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification, and concealment of a homicidal death. The connection between Hunter and Derek remains unclear, and the motive for the murder has not been disclosed by the authorities. Hunter was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and is currently in custody at the Sangamon County Jail.
The case has garnered significant attention, and the Springfield Police Department, along with the Sangamon County Coroner's Office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Derek's death. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Derek J. Banker Barnett, whose life was tragically cut short.
