PRESS CONFERENCE – Ashley Chemere Gibson Death Investigation
Arrest warrants have been issued for six individuals in the Ashley Gibson case, for the offense of Dismembering a Human Body, a Class X Felony [click here for photos] [Updated April 28, 3:45 PM]
Timeline and progress of the current investigation
Ms. Ashley Gibson was last seen alive on Sunday, April 17th in the northwest area of Champaign.
April 19, 2016
- On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Ashley Gibson’s mother filed a missing person report with the Champaign Police Department.
- Gibson’s mother expressed concern for her daughter’s welfare after hearing rumor(s) that her daughter was possibly deceased.
- An investigation was launched in an effort to locate Ashley Gibson. During our initial investigation, CPD Detectives interviewed numerous people and served a court authorized search warrant for the residence at 1536 Hedge Rd. in Champaign.
April 20, 2016
- On April 20, 2016, a second search warrant for 1536 Hedge Rd. was obtained by Champaign Police Detectives. The Champaign Police Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, finding numerous items of evidence, including material to support the belief that Ms. Gibson was deceased and had been dismembered.
- As the investigation progressed, information was developed that led Champaign Police Detectives to Clinton Lake.
April 22, 2016
- On April 22, 2016, Champaign Police Detectives, along with representatives from several law enforcement and fire department services (the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Cornbelt Fire Department Dive Team, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, Hudson Fire Department Dive Team, Charleston Fire Department Dive Team, Illinois-Wisconsin Search & Rescue Dogs, and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office) conducted an area search of Clinton Lake, specifically in the area near the Route 54 bridge.
- The search for Ashley Gibson consisted of both shore and water searches, and continued throughout the weekend until April 24, 2016.
April 24, 2016
- On April 24, 2016, human remains were located at Clinton Lake. The remains were located at approximately 10:10 AM and those same remains were pronounced as deceased by Coroner Duane Northrup at approximately 1:30 PM.
April 25, 2016
- On April 25th, an autopsy was conducted at the Champaign County Coroner’s Office. As a result of the autopsy, the following information was learned:
- Ashley Gibson was positively identified
- Preliminary autopsy results did not reveal any evidence of fatal injuries prior to death
- Final autopsy results are pending toxicology test results
- The preliminary results of the investigation were presented to the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office.
- As a result, arrest warrants have been issued for the following individuals for the offense of Dismembering a Human Body, a Class X Felony:
- Davion K. Hedrick, 26-year-old male from Champaign
- Donte D. Meeks, 25-year-old male, Champaign
- Randale D. Banks, 28-year-old male, Champaign
- Reginald Logan, 23-year-old male, Champaign
- Javon Tate, 19-year-old male, Champaign
- Deundrea M. Weatherspoon, 25-year-old male, Champaign
Offenders_Ashley Gibson Death Investigation [updated April 28, 3:45 PM]