Teen pleads guilty to murder of Decatur 15-year-old who was lured, stabbed to death

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — One of the teenagers on trial for the stabbing of 15-year-old Tyler Eubanks in 2023 has pleaded guilty to murder.

Otis Allen, 17, pleaded as part of an agreement in court on Wednesday.

According to an inquest, Eubanks was lured to an abandoned building, put into a chokehold, and stabbed to death in July 2023.

In a statement released at the time, Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel said, "I am at a loss for words with regard to this incident. A teenager was brutally murdered by other teenagers, for no apparent reason. I am saddened for the family of the victim and hope they can eventually find peace. As a father myself, I cannot imagine losing a child and I don’t wish that on anybody."

Since the murder, Tyler's family and friends have kept his memory alive through giving back to the community.

At a candelight vigil held one year after his murder, Tyler's mom told WAND News, "Tyler was by far the goofiest, happiest teenager I've ever met. He cared about things in the community, he wanted to give back and that was his dream in life was to give back, but his life was taken."

Allen will be officially sentenced on Feb. 7.

The other teen on trial for murder is due back in court Feb. 6.