On the evening of March 21, 2026, a physical altercation in the parking lot of Market Place Mall near the Dick’s House of Sport in Champaign ended with 16-year-old Jaylen Bailey shot around 6:14 p.m. First responders treated him at the scene before he was transported to Carle Hospital in Urbana, where he was pronounced dead at 11:44 p.m. that night.

Mall officials called the shooting senseless and tragic, and local leaders expressed condolences. Pastor Willie Comer of Youth for Christ noted the pain for the community, saying he had known the teens involved since sixth grade. The Champaign Police Department arrested a 15-year-old male in Urbana on a warrant for aggravated battery with a firearm; his name has not been released because he is a minor. The case was referred to the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible additional charges and the investigation is active.

Anyone who witnessed the fight or has video footage is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.