Charges filed in shooting that killed 2 teens in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — A weekend of violence left two 18-year-olds dead in Champaign last July.

George Dorris-Rodgers and Daniyjah Staple were killed on July 28, 2024 in a shooting in the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive.

Two other people were injured during the shooting, a 25-year-old woman who was treated and released for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her arm and a 15-year-old boy who was treated and released for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg.

The day after the shooting, Champaign leaders called on the community for help. At the time, Champaign Chief Timothy T. Tyler told reporters, "I saw two young community members dead on the operating table and they looked like my son and daughter. I tell you what, I'm not 100% today. I am hurting."

Champaign police said a group of people were gathered in the parking lot of an apartment complex when 22-year-old Corey Butler shot into the crowd. On Thursday, Butler was charged with multiple counts for murder and one count for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Butler was already in custody at the Champaign County Correctional Facility at the time he was charged.

Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.