On the evening of February 8, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Urbana, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of 7-year-old African American male Darnell “DJ” Wicks and 43-year-old Melvin Braxton. The Urbana Police Department reported that the shooting occurred during a domestic dispute at a residence in the 900 block of Lanore Drive. Authorities believe the incident was not random but stemmed from a domestic violence situation.
According to the Champaign County Coroner, Darnell “DJ” Wicks was pronounced dead at 8:28 PM at the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department. Melvin Braxton succumbed to his injuries later that evening at 9:30 PM in the hospital's operating room. The police discovered Braxton across the street from the residence, also suffering from gunshot wounds. A firearm found with Braxton had been reported stolen, though it remains unclear who fired the shot that killed him.
Darnell “DJ” Wicks was a second-grade student at Bottenfield Elementary School in Urbana. The Unit 4 School District expressed deep sorrow over his passing and activated its trauma response team to support students and staff affected by the tragedy. His family and the community mourned his loss, remembering him as a joyful child who loved life and brought happiness to those around him.
As of now, the Urbana Police Department continues to investigate the incident. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
