Calvin Bell, 47, of Springfield, Illinois, was fatally shot during a large fight in the 800 block of Stevenson Drive on March 8, 2025. Officers responded about 2:03 a.m. after reports of a disturbance and gunshots; Bell was taken to HSHS St. John’s Hospital and pronounced dead at 2:26 a.m. An autopsy confirmed a gunshot wound as the cause of death.

The Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant at a West North Grand Avenue residence about 7:30 a.m. the same day and questioned two people. Later that afternoon police arrested 38-year-old Emmanuel K. Watts of Springfield and charged him with first-degree murder, aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Anyone who witnessed the fight or has information about the shooting is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department or Crime Stoppers.