Shawn Simmons, 39, was found dead in his Champaign apartment on December 8, 1995. The apartment manager, concerned after noticing no fresh footprints in new snow and hearing from Shawn’s boss, entered with a master key and discovered him face down on the bedroom floor with his hands tied behind his back with a brown electric extension cord and a curtain used as a blindfold. The autopsy found signs of manual strangulation, contusions on the back of his head, and stomach contents that included spaghetti, indicating he never finished dinner. Forensic examiners concluded the bindings were applied after death.

The scene contained inconsistencies: a jewelry box appeared disturbed but checks, a wallet, and stereo equipment were left in place, leading investigators to consider a personal motive and focus on someone known to Shawn. A former lover who reportedly spent the night with Shawn gave inconsistent accounts, was linked to conflicting physical evidence, and was overheard by others making incriminating remarks, but investigators lacked enough concrete evidence to file charges. The inquiry stalled and was inactive by March 1997, and the case remains unresolved.

If anyone knew Shawn, his associates, or observed activity at Gentry Square Lane on December 8, 1995, please come forward with information.