Tearius L. Pettis, a 15-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on April 11, 2020, in Urbana, Illinois. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Philo Road. Tearius was riding his bicycle when he was targeted by an assailant who began shooting at him. Multiple gunshots were reported, and Tearius was found lying in the roadway by responding officers. He was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Urbana Police Department and the Champaign County Coroner's Office launched an investigation into the shooting. Preliminary findings indicated that Tearius was shot by a subject who had been standing in a yard, and it was believed that the attack was not a random act of violence. The investigation continued, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
On April 15, 2020, a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the murder of Tearius Pettis. The teenager, whose name was not released due to his age, was believed to be the sole shooter. He was taken to the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center. The case continued to develop, with police seeking additional information from the public.
In a significant turn of events, Troy D. Carter, a 20-year-old man, was later acquitted of first-degree murder charges related to the death of Tearius Pettis. The acquittal occurred on a Tuesday, with Champaign County Judge Randy Rosenbaum presiding over the case. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tearius's death remained ongoing, as authorities continued to seek justice for the young victim.
