The Normal Police Department is asking for the public’s help as it investigates a fatal shooting that happened early Sunday during a large outdoor party.
An 18-year-old from Oak Lawn, Randall Glass, died in the shooting. Another 18-year-old was critically injured.
Normal Police are heading up the investigation and have not made any arrests. The shooting is being investigated as a homicide.
Illinois State University Police have said the two victims are not affiliated with the university.
NPD is requesting anyone who has video and information from a party Saturday night at Fairview Park, or the party at the Circle K convenience store at 300 N. Main St. in the early morning hours on Sunday to share it with department investigators.
Officer Brad Park with Normal Police said the department is already reviewing some of the many videos shared on social media.
"They have received a lot of video, but the more we get the better," Park said.
Police have said the shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday near University and Locust streets, a block from the Bone Student Center.
Multiple videos of the convenience store party were shared on social media. Police estimated the party grew to 1,000 people.
The incident is the latest in a strong of so-called pop-up parties across Normal in recent weeks. The parties have generally started in public parks. Police have said online promoters are using social media to publicize the events, sometimes only to give a specific time and location at the last minute.
Town of Normal and ISU officials have said these parties have placed a strain on community resources.
Mayor Chris Koos and university president Aondover Tarhule issued statements on Monday condemning the parties. Tarhule said the parties are disruptive and “have no place in our community.”
At a groundbreaking for the town's new fire station on Thursday, Koos said the town is still looking for ways to contain these parties.
"We're still in the brainstorming on that," Koos said. "If I told you what any of them were, you'd say those are crazy ideas, but when you are brainstorming you consider everything.
Koos said promoters of the party on Saturday night at the park appeared to be part of a for-profit operation and were charging guests.
"I'm still trying to figure out how anybody would pay $25 for a wristband to go stand in a park somewhere, but what do I know," he said.
Koos suggested the town explore holding party organizers liable for police overtime and cleanup costs. He said the town has existing ordinances to fine party goers from out of the area, but he said it's unlikely they would pay.
Police said they still don't know who is organizing these parties.
NPD asks anyone with videos or information to share to email intel@normalil.gov, text (309) 838-5074, or call detective Darren Wolters at (309) 433-3415.
Tips can be shared anonymously at TIP411 through the Normal Police Department app or by texting to 847411, typing in NORMALPD and then the tip.
Park said Normal police also have been in contact with police at Eastern Illinois University that is hosting its homecoming this weekend to help officials there prepare for pop-up parties should they arise.
NPD police chief Steve Petrilli would not comment on how the department monitors social media to try to respond to these parties before they become too big to manage.
"I consider that tactical information," he said.
