Sanchez Townes-Elliot, a 27-year-old African American male, was fatally shot on June 3, 2018, in a basement recording studio located in an unincorporated area near Roselle, Illinois. The incident occurred during an argument involving a firearm. According to reports, Townes-Elliot had displayed a handgun, which made an acquaintance of Owen Reneau, a 32-year-old man from Oak Park, uncomfortable.
Townes-Elliot placed the gun on a table, at which point Reneau picked it up, leading to a heated argument between the two men. During the altercation, Reneau shot Townes-Elliot and fled the scene. Townes-Elliot was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, Reneau was located weeks later at a relative's home in suburban Baltimore, Maryland. He was arrested and extradited to DuPage County, Illinois, where he faced charges related to the shooting. Reneau was held on a $5 million bond and remained in custody at the DuPage County jail.
In May 2020, nearly two years after the shooting, Owen Reneau pleaded guilty to a felony count of second-degree murder in DuPage County court. The plea was accepted by Judge Brian Telander. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated that while Reneau's admission of guilt would not bring Townes-Elliot back, it might provide some solace to his loved ones knowing that the person responsible for his death would be held accountable. Reneau's sentencing was scheduled for June 24, 2020.
