DPD: Man wanted for killing Decatur mother, stabbing her 2 children

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur Police Department has identified a suspect in a stabbing that left a Decatur mother dead and her two children injured.

Police are looking for 50-year-old Latonian Johnson and DPD said it's asked the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for help.

Decatur police responded to a call for help Wednesday night in the 1900 block of East Main Street and found three people stabbed.

38-year-old Dawnette Sigmon died at a hospital. Her two children, ages 14 and 16, were also stabbed and taken to a hospital. They have since been released.

According to the investigation, police said Sigmon was sitting in her driveway when Johnson showed up. The two got into an argument and Sigmon's 16-year-old child came outside to deescalate the situation. The children believed Johnson left but again heard more fighting outside. That's when police said the fighting between Sigmon and Johnson turned physical. Police believe the children attempted to help their mother when they were all stabbed.

Police said Sigmon and Johnson had been in an "on-and-off again relationship" for about five years. Police said the two had an extensive history of domestic violence incidents. At the time of the stabbing, Johnson was not living at the home.

DPD said after the stabbing they found Johnson's vehicle abandoned near East Decatur Street and South 17th Street. Police have not been able to find him and have not said where he could have gone.

Johnson has an arrest warrant for murder and attempted murder.

Court records show Sigmon had a previous order of protection against Johnson, which was dismissed two years ago. He was also out on pretrial release for domestic battery charges and was due back in court in two weeks.

DPD said they're stilling following leads. They've collected evidence and found video surveillance from the area.

"This was a targeted incident involving more than several years of domestic violence," said Deputy Chief Scott Rosenbery at the Decatur Police Department. "We don't believe the community has anything to be concerned about. Right now, we're actively looking for Mr. Johnson and will be following up on various leads to where his whereabouts."

Police said if anyone knows where Johnson is to call DPD at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477. He should be considered armed and dangerous.