Champaign police officer Christopher Oberheim, 44, was killed on May 19, 2021 while responding to a domestic disturbance in the 2400 block of North Neil Street. Oberheim and another officer arrived shortly before 3:30 a.m.; as they exited their vehicles they were fired upon. A shootout followed. Oberheim was critically wounded and later died at a hospital. The other officer was also shot, survived and was stabilized.

The person who exchanged gunfire with the officers was identified as 24-year-old Darion Marquise Lafayette of Champaign. Lafayette was pronounced dead at the scene. The Champaign County coroner confirmed both Oberheim and Lafayette died of gunshot wounds. The Illinois State Police, Urbana Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and University of Illinois Police Department conducted an investigation that included review of officers’ body camera footage.

Oberheim had served with the Champaign Police Department since 2008 after earlier service with the Decatur Police Department. He is survived by his wife and four daughters; community leaders noted his involvement with his family and praised his commitment to duty. Does anyone have information about the events that led to the early-morning call on North Neil Street?