On Saturday, August 9, 2014 at approximately 10:03 AM, the Champaign Police responded to a report of a non-responsive subject along the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad tracks just south of the Springfield Avenue viaduct. Once officers located the subject, it was obvious to them the individual was deceased, and the Champaign County Coroner was called to the scene.
The Champaign Police do believe the victim to be a local homeless man, but are not releasing the name until the Coroner’s Office has made their appropriate notifications.
Champaign Police Investigations and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. At thispoint in the investigation, the exact cause of death has not been officially determined, but police consider the circumstances to be suspicious and are treating it as a homicide.
The Champaign Police continue to investigate this crime and is asking for assistance from the public. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign Police at 217-351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (TIPS). Tips can also be submitted through www.373tips.com or text by sending CCTIP plus the information plus the to 274637 (CRIMES).