Jose Pacheco, a 35-year-old Hispanic man, was shot and killed on January 18, 2021, in Danville, Illinois. The Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the killing.

A Vermilion County Grand Jury indicted Christopher Echols, and he was charged with First Degree Murder on September 16, 2021; he was later apprehended in Joplin, Missouri. During trial preparation, new evidence emerged that created a reasonable likelihood Echols did not commit the offense, and the murder charge against him was dismissed. The investigation remains open as authorities assess the newly discovered evidence; Illinois has no statute of limitations on First Degree Murder.

Jose Pacheco’s death has deeply affected his family and the community. If anyone has information that could help investigators, please contact the Danville Police Department or the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office.