CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - A teenager who was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting last month at Market Place Shopping Center in Champaign will be tried as an adult.
Champaign police officers responded around 6:14 p.m. March 21 to reports of a fight in the mall parking lot. During the fight, at least one gun was fired, which struck a 16-year-old victim.
Officers, along with the Champaign Fire Department, provided life-saving aid before the victim was taken to a local hospital. The teen, later identified by the Champaign County Coroner as Jaylen Bailey, was taken to a hospital but died several hours later.
Police said a 15-year-old suspect was later located and arrested in Urbana on a warrant for aggravated battery with a firearm. Following Bailey’s death, that case was referred to the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office.
That 15-year-old, Braylin Vellon, is now charged with first degree murder and will be tried as an adult, following a ruling made Tuesday by a Champaign County judge.
The judge saw evidence from Vellon's phone that included videos and pictures of him showing guns and a video of the shooting.
Vellon has a history in juvenile court for possession of a stolen gun. Court records show he stole a gun from the office at Arrowhead Lanes in September of 2024 and gave it to someone else.
Champaign police also said a second 15-year-old was arrested April 2 on a warrant of apprehension for aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the mall shooting.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the fight or may have cell phone video to contact Champaign police at 217-351-4545. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone, online, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
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