The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and Champaign Police have made an arrest in the death of a 14-year-old boy. In a joint news release the two departments say 55-year-old Darryl Vandyke of Champaign is being held on preliminary charges of First-Degree Murder. The charge stems from the death of 14-year-old Steven Butler III of Champaign.
On Friday morning, July 30, Champaign County Sheriff’s Police were dispatched to the 3400 block of East Washington Street for a report that a body had been found by two bicyclists. The victim was later identified as Butler, who had been reported missing Thursday evening.
As the investigation progressed and while VanDyke was in custody, a potential crime scene was located. The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office obtained a search warrant for the premises of a private residence. With the assistance of the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigations Unit, additional evidence was recovered from the property. Based on the evidence and information learned during the investigation the Champaign County State’s Attorney obtained a warrant for VanDyke’s arrest on preliminary First-Degree Murder charges. Judge Randy Rosenbaum set bond at $2-million dollars.
Although an arrest has been made, the investigation is on-going, and anyone who has information that might help in this case is asked to contact the police at 217-351-4545. If you wish to remain anonymous call Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, online at 373tips.com, or the ‘’P3 Tips’’ mobile app.
All individuals are presumed to be innocent unless they are proven guilty in a court of law.
