On January 24, 2019, at approximately 4:40 a.m., Champaign Police responded to a shooting incident in the 800 block of Fairoaks Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered 38-year-old Dehrone Hobbs, an African American male, unresponsive inside a private residence. Hobbs was suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds and was immediately transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The investigation revealed that an unknown individual or individuals had forcibly entered the residence and fired multiple rounds at Hobbs before fleeing the scene. This violent act left the community in shock and prompted a thorough investigation by the Champaign Police Department. Over the next few years, detectives worked diligently to gather evidence and identify potential suspects.
On April 8, 2022, significant progress was made in the case when the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 35-year-old Keonte Campbell, an African American male from Urbana, with the murder of Dehrone Hobbs. According to the investigation, Campbell had forced his way into the home and shot Hobbs multiple times. Campbell was subsequently taken into custody and is currently held by the Illinois Department of Corrections.
The arrest of Campbell marked a crucial development in the case, providing some measure of closure for Hobbs' family and the community. However, the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek additional information and urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The Champaign Police Department has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such cases and ensuring justice for the victims.
Throughout the investigation, the Champaign Police Department has worked closely with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has been instrumental in bringing charges against Campbell. The case highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement to address violent crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, even years after the incident occurred.
