Bryson Obituary and Death: Bryson and 43-Year-Old Urbana Man Tragically Killed in Fatal Home Invasion and Shooting on Lanore Drive

Urbana, IL – The Urbana Police Department is investigating a devastating home invasion and shooting that claimed the lives of two victims, including a 7-year-old child, on the evening of Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Urbana, IL – Tragedy struck the Urbana community on the evening of Saturday, February 8, 2025, as the Urbana Police Department responded to a devastating home invasion and shooting that left two victims dead, including a 7-year-old child. The incident unfolded shortly before 8:00 p.m. in the 900 block of Lanore Drive, located just south of the Brookens Administrative Center, near the intersection of Lanore Drive and Washington Street.

When police arrived on the scene, they found Bryson, a young child, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, Bryson tragically succumbed to his injuries. The death of such a young and innocent life has left the community mourning the senseless loss.

In addition to the child, officers discovered the body of a 43-year-old Urbana man near the scene. He, too, had suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The identities of both victims are currently being withheld to allow for family notifications.

Authorities believe the shooting was the result of a violent home invasion, though the exact circumstances surrounding the events remain under investigation. The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case and is working diligently to gather evidence, including canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing video surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences.

This tragic loss comes just one day after another shooting incident in Urbana, in which an 18-year-old was fatally shot in a separate and unrelated event. The back-to-back incidents have shaken the Urbana community, which is left grappling with the loss of two lives in such a short span.

In an effort to advance the investigation, authorities are urging anyone who may have information to come forward. Residents and business owners in the area are asked to review any exterior security camera footage they may have, as it could provide valuable evidence in the case. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Champaign County Crime Stoppers, which is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers Contact Information:

Call: (217) 373-8477

Champaign County Crime Stoppers Tip Line: (217) 384-2320

The Urbana Police Department has made it clear that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to gather more details about what led to this heart-wrenching and senseless act of violence.

Details of the Tragic Incident:

The home invasion and shooting took place in a quiet, residential area of Urbana, on Lanore Drive. This neighborhood, known for its suburban calm, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as law enforcement began their investigation into the double homicide.

According to initial reports, the incident took place just before 8:00 p.m. When officers responded to a call of a shooting with injuries, they arrived to find the 7-year-old child, later identified as Bryson, critically wounded. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Bryson was unable to survive the traumatic injuries sustained during the attack.

Shortly after Bryson was transported to the hospital, law enforcement discovered a second victim at the scene—a 43-year-old man, who was later confirmed to have died from gunshot wounds. While the victim’s identity has yet to be released to the public, law enforcement officials are working closely with the victim’s family to ensure they are notified in a sensitive and timely manner.

Though the exact motive behind the attack is still under investigation, police believe that this tragic event was part of a larger home invasion. The perpetrators of this crime have yet to be identified, but investigators are actively following leads and working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the community.

The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is urging anyone with information to come forward. Local authorities are currently canvassing the area for additional details, speaking to potential witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage that may help identify the suspects involved in the incident.

As the investigation continues, residents of Urbana are left reeling from the senseless violence that has claimed the lives of an innocent child and an adult. The ripple effect of this tragic event has left the entire community heartbroken and desperate for answers.

Community Reaction and Calls for Justice:

In the wake of this senseless act, the Urbana community has come together in mourning and support for the families of the victims. Local leaders, as well as residents, have expressed shock and sadness over the tragic loss of life. The sudden and violent nature of the crime has left many residents feeling unsafe in their own homes and searching for ways to support the families affected by the devastating incident.

Elected officials, including Urbana’s mayor and members of the city council, have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to do everything in their power to assist the police department in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The case has quickly become a priority for local law enforcement, and there is a concerted effort to ensure that the families of Bryson and the 43-year-old victim receive the answers they deserve.

In addition to the police investigation, there have been several community-based efforts to provide support for the victims’ families. A number of local organizations have begun fundraising efforts to assist with funeral expenses and to provide ongoing support to the families as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.

Residents of Urbana have also taken to social media to express their sorrow and disbelief over the loss of two lives in such a senseless act of violence. Community members have expressed their desire for justice and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

In response to growing concerns about safety, law enforcement has reassured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that efforts are being made to ensure the perpetrators are caught and held accountable for their actions. Authorities are working tirelessly to address the concerns of residents and to ensure that justice is served.

The Ongoing Investigation:

The investigation into the fatal shooting and home invasion is still in its early stages, with many details yet to be confirmed. The Urbana Police Department has stated that they are actively working on several leads and pursuing all avenues of investigation. They are also working closely with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the swift resolution of the case.

Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes, and are actively canvassing the area in search of potential witnesses who may have seen something suspicious. Law enforcement is also asking the public to report any information they may have about the incident, even if it seems insignificant. Authorities have emphasized that no piece of information is too small to be of potential value.

The Urbana Police Department has also called upon local businesses and homeowners in the area to check their security footage and to contact the police if they have anything that could assist in the investigation. The department has expressed its gratitude to the community for its cooperation and support as the investigation progresses.

A Call for Justice and Reflection:

As the investigation into the tragic deaths of Bryson and the 43-year-old man continues, the entire Urbana community remains in shock and mourning. The loss of such young life, coupled with the senseless violence, has left a lasting impact on the city. With the investigation ongoing and the search for answers continuing, the hope remains that justice will ultimately prevail for the victims and their families.

For now, the community’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of Bryson and the 43-year-old man, and there is a collective commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice.

As more information becomes available, the Urbana Police Department will continue to provide updates to the public, with the ultimate goal of bringing closure and justice to those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.