CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The man charged in the shooting of a Pour Bros. Craft Taproom manager has pleaded not guilty.
Fidele G. Tshimanga, 24, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 8 following an afternoon shooting that occurred in the 100 block of N. Market Street near Pour Bros. Taproom. A 45-year-old employee of the bar, Brandon Hardway, was outside of the business when he was allegedly approached by Tshimanga who then produced a firearm and fired before fleeing.
Hardway was taken to the hospital for a gunshot wound but he died nine days later from his injuries.
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Tshimanga appeared in court on Wednesday when he was arraigned on an upgraded charge of first degree murder. He pleaded not guilty.
He will be back in court March 27 for a fitness status that his lawyer requested.
As part of the investigation, Champaign Police are seeking witnesses and video footage than can help the investigation. Anyone who has additional information can 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.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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