The 16-year-old boy who lost his life after being shot in a mall parking lot in Champaign has been identified as Jaylen Bailey. Champaign County coroner Laurie Brauer said that Bailey was pronounced dead at 11:44 pm Saturday after being shot in the incident at Market Place Mall the same day.
Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen expressed her condolences to the family and friends affected by the shooting, stating that the loss of young life is the hardest part of being mayor.
No arrests have been made yet, and an autopsy has been scheduled. The city launched a coordinated response to ensure timely, comprehensive support and assistance following the incident.
Pastor Willie Comer, a nonviolence blueprint partner, said that the teens involved in the fight were once part of his program, and he believes that families and community leaders must step in before another tragedy takes place.
