On Friday, April 12th, at approximately 6:10 AM, Champaign Fire Department responded to a working fire at an apartment located at 407 S. State Street. While at the scene, firefighters discovered the body of a deceased person. Fire department personnel then contacted Champaign Police to assist with the investigation.
Champaign Police are treating this investigation as a homicide and have arrested Terry J. Brownlee, 31, of Champaign. Mr. Brownlee was taken into custody by Champaign Police in the 1200 block of W. Hill, Urbana.
The victim was found in Mr. Brownlee’s apartment and the investigation revealed that Mr. Brownlee and the victim knew each other. However, the victim did not reside there. The investigation further revealed that the victim sustained injuries to her body that appeared to be stab wounds. The Champaign Police views this to be an isolated incident and are not seeking any additional suspects.
Champaign Police are not releasing the name of the victim, pending notification of the family by the Office of the Coroner.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Champaign Police Department at 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS.) Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by texting keyword CCTIP plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES).