Authorities say a 20-year-old man was found shot to death near the construction site of a rural Bloomington church Monday night. It’s being investigated as a homicide.
McLean County’s sheriff’s police found Kiejoun Watts unresponsive on the property of Victory Church located at 18180 U.S. 150 around 8:45 p.m. Monday. Police were responding to a report of unusual activity on the property. Victory is undergoing reconstruction after a fire destroyed the church last year.
Preliminary autopsy opinion indicates that Watts suffered a fatal gunshot wound, said coroner Kathy Yoder. Authorities are investigating it as a homicide, said Sheriff Matt Lane.
In connection with the investigation, the McLean County sheriff's office said late Tuesday that it's looking for the public's help finding a black 2015 Lincoln MKZ sedan with the license plate number DP94861. If you locate this vehicle, call 911.
“Our church is praying for comfort and care for the family who lost their loved one, and Victory Church is here for anyone hurting as a result of it,” the church said in a statement. “Victory Church leadership has pledged its full cooperation with law enforcement authorities as they conduct their investigation. At this time, we request everyone in the Victory Church family and members of our community to refrain from going to the construction site of Victory Church, where this incident occurred. Thank you for praying for the family and law enforcement involved. Our hearts, prayers, and tears go out to those who have lost their loved one.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Hanner at (309) 888-5063, or Lt. Tuttle at (309) 888-5928, or the McLean County Sheriff’s Office main line at (309) 888-5019.
