James Karnell Coleman, a 25-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 21, 2020, in Champaign, Illinois. Coleman, affectionately known as "Rooster" by those who knew him, was pronounced dead at the scene around 3 a.m. on Country Fair Drive. The Champaign County Coroner identified him as the victim of a fatal shooting. Coleman was a resident of Urbana, Illinois, and had a vibrant personality, known for his athleticism and positive attitude.
The investigation into Coleman's death revealed that a group of individuals had gathered at a nearby apartment for a dice game. During the gathering, a physical altercation occurred, culminating in Coleman being shot multiple times. The Champaign Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 2:02 a.m. and found Coleman with multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Keith L. Baker, a 24-year-old male from Champaign, for the offenses of Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon. Baker turned himself in at the Champaign Police Department on May 27, 2020, and was transported to the Champaign County Jail, where he awaited future court proceedings.
The investigation continued, and on July 30, 2020, another arrest warrant was issued for London J. Taylor, a 20-year-old male from Urbana, for First-Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. Taylor was arrested without incident at the Champaign County Courthouse on August 7, 2020. Both suspects were held on a bond of $1 million each.
Although arrests have been made, the investigation into Coleman's death remains ongoing. The Champaign Police Department continues to seek information from the public to aid in the case.
