Sherman D. McCraney Jr., an 18-year-old Black man from Urbana, Illinois, was shot and killed on the evening of February 7, 2025. Officers found him with multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of Vawter and Silver Streets around 8:22 p.m. Despite first aid at the scene and transport to Carle Foundation Hospital, he was pronounced dead just before 9 p.m. The Champaign County Coroner, Laurie Brauer, confirmed his identity and scheduled an autopsy for February 10, 2025.

Urbana police say they are canvassing the area, reviewing security footage, and asking residents to check doorbell and surveillance cameras for anything that could help identify suspects or clarify what happened. No arrests or public identifications of suspects have been announced. Champaign County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. The community has responded with public grief and a GoFundMe to help McCraney’s mother.

If anyone saw activity near Vawter and Silver Streets around 8:20–8:30 p.m. on February 7 or has camera footage from that evening, please contact Urbana police or Crime Stoppers.