DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A 15-year-old who was found dead after a welfare check was lured to the location and "brutally murdered" by two other 15-year-olds, Decatur Police said.
Decatur Police officers were called for a welfare check in the 400 block of W. Harrison Avenue around 11:30 Sunday morning.
When they arrived, they found the teen dead.
The teen was identified by the coroner as Tyler Eubanks of Decatur.
He was found in an abandoned building and had been stabbed to death.
Decatur Police arrested two 15-year-olds for First Degree Murder. Both are being detained at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center.
Police are still investigating.
Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel released a statement saying, "I am at a loss for words with regard to this incident. A teenager was brutally murdered by other teenagers, for no apparent reason. I am saddened for the family of the victim and hope they can eventually find peace. As a father myself, I cannot imagine losing a child and I don’t wish that on anybody.
"I want to thank the witnesses, and their parents, for coming forward in this case and doing what was right. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated by society; and when we make that stand, those who choose to commit these types of crimes can quickly be removed from society. I also want to thank the Decatur Police Officers and Detectives who are working this case. These types of cases challenge even seasoned officers and detectives, but their dedication to this community will not falter.
"We have to come together as a community. This is not a police problem. This is a society problem. Police Departments across this country cannot do it alone. And until we all see that, and we all do our part to address it, then we will continue to repeat ourselves in offering condolences to victim’s families rather than celebrate true societal harmony."
A Go Fund Me has been set up for Tyler's family.
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