Juvenile arrested in fatal shooting at Champaign shopping mall

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - A juvenile has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting Saturday evening at Market Place Shopping Mall.

According to Champaign Police, officers responded around 6:14 p.m. on March 21 to reports of a fight in the mall parking lot. During the altercation, at least one gun was fired, striking 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 say 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, the case was referred to the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible additional charges related to the homicide.

The suspect’s identity has not been released due to juvenile protection laws.

Investigators say the case remains active, and detectives are working to determine whether others were involved in the incident.

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.