16-year-old boy dies in accident was shot in the mall PARKING LOT The man in Champaign was identified as Jaylen Bailey. Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer said Bailey declared dead A shooting occurred at Market Place Shopping Center at 11:44 pm on Saturday.
Brower said an autopsy has been scheduled, The Press-Gazette reported.
“Losing a young life, or any life, is the most painful part of being mayor,” Champaign Mayor Deb Feining said in a statement. “The pain of losing a child, family member or friend knows no bounds – especially when it involves someone so young. My condolences go out to the family and friends affected by yesterday’s shooting.”
“Following the tragic events, the city mounted a coordinated response to ensure timely, comprehensive support and assistance. From the initial actions of the police and fire departments, to the ongoing efforts of the Department of Equity and Engagement’s Community Safety and Justice Division, the Street Outreach Team and our Blueprint partners, I appreciate how these teams came together during a challenging time,” Feining added.
Learn more | Shooting in Stockton, California, leaves 4 people dead, 3 of them children, and police are searching for the gunman
Police responded to a fight in the parking lot near Dick’s Sports House around 6:14 p.m. At least one person fired a weapon during the fight, striking the 16-year-old. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made yet.
The mall where the incident occurred is owned by Chicago-based GGP. The company owns shopping malls across the United States.
Following the shooting, a spokesperson for the company issued a statement to WAND News: “A senseless and tragic incident occurred outside of our mall last night. We thank CPD’s security officers and partners for their quick action and diligent efforts to contain the situation. This remains an active investigation and we must refer all investigations to law enforcement.”
Who is Jalen Bailey?
Although the Champaign community is mourning Bailey’s death, no information about the teen has been released. Pastor Willie Comer of the YMCA, one of Champaign’s Blueprint for Nonviolence partners, told Fox Illinois reporter Brianna Moran that this incident in particular touches our hearts. He said the teenagers involved in the fight had been part of his plan and he shed tears when he learned who the victims were.
“I’ve known them since sixth grade and I can’t believe it and it hurts me because I know if I could be in that place I could tell them to go home and I know they would listen. It’s not even a question,” Comer said.
Learn more | Stockton Ballroom Mass Shooting: Were Rappers MBnel and Fly Boy Doughy Targets?
Cuomo said family and community leaders must step in before another tragedy occurs.
“As a community, we’d better be vigilant because these kids, this group of kids, they’re running with kids, they’re going to seek revenge. They’re going to seek revenge. As a community, we’d better be vigilant and involved,” Pastor Comer said.
Comer further stated that he is re-evaluating his plan because he believes it should also include freshmen and sophomores.
“We have to expand our plans now and say, wait a minute. We have to go further with them. We have to go further with them,” Pastor Comer said.
Comer believes the city needs a broader conversation to bring about change.
“We need to have a meeting to develop a vision for our city, every aspect of our city. What kind of city do we want? Do we want a city where there is violence, where our youth are dying and we end up in jail?” he said.
