Izreal B. Lewis, a 19-year-old male from Decatur, Illinois, tragically lost his life on January 28, 2025, after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The incident occurred in the parking lot of 550 South Church Street, where officers from the Decatur Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:01 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Lewis suffering from gunshot injuries. He was immediately transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital by ambulance, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 1:15 p.m. The Macon County Coroner later confirmed that Lewis had succumbed to trauma from gunshot wounds.
Following the fatal shooting, law enforcement officials launched a homicide investigation. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division secured the crime scene and recovered 17 shell casings. They conducted multiple interviews and executed search warrants at residences located in the 2500 block of East North Street and the 1700 block of North 34th Street. These searches led to the seizure of two firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices, which were collected as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
As a result of their investigative efforts, authorities established probable cause to arrest three individuals in connection with Lewis’s murder. Dana E. Bond Jr., a 32-year-old male, was located and apprehended by the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force at a residence in Decatur. He was subsequently booked into the Macon County Jail. Another suspect, 27-year-old Brett A. Ballard Jr., was already in custody at the Macon County Jail on a separate weapons charge when he was formally charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, a 16-year-old juvenile, who was detained in a juvenile facility on an unrelated weapons charge, was also charged with first-degree murder after consultation with the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Decatur Police Department continues to actively investigate the case, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Community members are encouraged to contact the department’s Criminal Investigations Division or Crimestoppers to assist in the pursuit of justice for Lewis.
