(WAND) - Between Decatur, Springfield and Champaign, the Capital City had the highest total of homicides this year with 11. A triple homicide in Sangamon County killed 9-year-old Cash Russell in front of his twin brother.
The deadly shooting happened Oct. 9. The investigation is still underway, and his family says gun violence has to end.Â
"They got to stop. I know it's not going to stop, but they got to understand. Like, everything is not about just running out here, taking people's lives and putting your life in jeopardy for it," said Russell's cousin Namiyah Bias. Â
In Champaign, homicides from gunfire increased 60% from 2024. There were nine total homicide victims in 2025.
Decatur has investigated nine homicides this year, up four more than last year. Decatur Police Chief Brad Allen said the department is prioritizing gun violence prevention.Â
"The prevention piece. Just prevent the overall violence. We have seized almost 300 guns this year to date. And for the last five years, we've seized over 300 guns each year," Allen said. Â
Merlverta Wilkins has built a team of community leaders called CREW. The group is creating a safety plan to reduce violence in the community.Â
"It's very important because it's affecting all of us. It affects our organizations. And if we come together and we share knowledge, share what our organizations are going through, share plans, share different things, of course that's going to help us," Wilkins said.Â
Going into the new year, each city said the goal is to have zero homicides and shootings.Â
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