An 18-year-old identified as Nicholas Malachi Griffin was fatally shot in Champaign, Illinois, on January 9, 2025. The shooting happened about 3:59 p.m. in the 1900 block of Cynthia Drive while Nicholas and companions were seated in a vehicle in a parking lot. Officers found him with life-threatening gunshot wounds; he was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 4:28 p.m.

Nicholas was a Champaign resident. After the shooting his companions left the scene and the assailant remains unidentified; no arrests have been announced. Funeral services took place at Leek & Sons Funeral Home in Urbana and burial was at Woodlawn-Lincoln Cemetery. The Champaign Police Department is investigating and asking residents and businesses for surveillance footage; anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward.

If anyone saw activity in the 1900 block of Cynthia Drive around 4 p.m. on January 9 or has footage that could help, please contact the Champaign Police Department.