Matthew Huerta, a 34-year-old Hispanic male from Danville, Illinois, tragically lost his life on May 2, 2021. According to reports, Matthew was fatally shot in the back while he was near Plum and Williams streets in Danville. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on that Sunday afternoon. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Matthew lying on the road with a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Matthew Huerta's death revealed that the suspect had exited a vehicle, fired a single shot at Matthew, and then fled the scene in the same vehicle. This incident prompted a thorough investigation by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County Coroner's office. An autopsy was conducted the following day to determine the exact cause of death, confirming that Matthew died from the gunshot wound.
In March 2023, nearly two years after the incident, a significant breakthrough occurred in the case. Deshawn Crawford, a 36-year-old man from Saginaw, Michigan, was arrested in connection with the murder of Matthew Huerta. Crawford was apprehended during an unrelated drug investigation in Saginaw. Following his arrest, a Vermilion County arrest warrant was issued, charging Crawford with murder and setting his bond at $3,000,000. At the time of his arrest, Crawford was still being held in Saginaw County on charges related to the drug investigation, and no date had been set for his extradition back to Illinois.
The arrest of Deshawn Crawford marked a crucial development in the pursuit of justice for Matthew Huerta. The Danville Police Department continued to work diligently on the case, ensuring that all aspects of the investigation were thoroughly examined. The community of Danville, along with Matthew's family and friends, awaited further legal proceedings to bring closure to this tragic event.
