Ciara Jade Faires, a 23-year-old woman from Mattoon, Illinois, tragically passed away on June 18, 2016. She was pronounced dead at 1:17 a.m. at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Ciara was known for her love of the beach, her passion for cooking, and her nurturing nature towards the elderly. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, and her untimely death left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
The circumstances surrounding Ciara's death were tragic and violent.
On the night of her death, Ciara was caught in the crossfire of a shooting that occurred in the 300-block of South 21st Street in Mattoon. The incident involved two groups who were shooting at each other. Ciara was not the intended target but was struck by a stray bullet during the altercation.
Following the incident, several arrests were made. James Shafer, a Mattoon resident, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, possession of a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Shafer was found guilty by a Coles County jury in February 2018. Prosecutors stated that Shafer was attempting to shoot someone else during an argument when he accidentally hit Ciara. In addition to Shafer, Kevin Johnson and Matthew Cook were also arrested for intimidation related to the incident. Another suspect, Shawn Adamson, was later taken into custody and charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm.
James Shafer was initially sentenced to 53 years in prison for his role in Ciara's death. However, in 2021, the higher charge of first-degree felony murder was overturned by the Illinois Appeals Court. Shafer was subsequently resentenced to 20 years for murder and seven years for possession of a firearm, with the sentences to run consecutively.
Ciara's death was a devastating loss for her family and the community. The legal proceedings and the arrests of those involved brought some measure of justice, but the pain of her loss remains. The community continues to remember Ciara for her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to those around her.
