DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A Decatur Police detective testified in open court Wednesday that cellphone video shows the moments a Decatur man was shot and killed.
Keishaun Thomas appeared in a Macon County courtroom on Wednesday for his preliminary hearing. The 26-year-old was arrested on January 30 for his role in the shooting death of Corneilus Smith.
Thomas was originally charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, but the charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder.
A Decatur Police detective took the stand to detail parts of the department's investigation. Detectives believe a fight between Smith, Thomas, and another man led up to the shooting. The detective also told the court there is a video showing Thomas shooting Smith in the back as he ran away.
The deadly shooting happened Friday, Jan. 9, near the 1100 block of West Marietta Street. Decatur police said that shortly after the shooting, Thomas went to DPD headquarters with his weapon to provide information about the incident. Authorities said Thomas had a valid FOID card and concealed carry license.
Thomas' attorney, Sara Vig, had the opportunity to question the detective about the investigation. The detective admitted the recording does not show the start of the fight, but does capture the moments when Thomas went to a vehicle, grabbed a gun, and began shooting.
Thomas pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for March.
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