Authorities identify suspect in 1984 cold case homicide

Posted on February 10, 2016

(Photo courtesy Bloomington Police Department)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A homicide case from 1984 has finally been solved.

Gary Sheppelman, 37, was found dead inside what was then known as Schenk’s Tavern at 1504 Morrissey Drive. The property is now vacant.

The Bloomington Police Department said a witness finally came forward after a review of the case last year and that witness said Aaron Patrick of Bloomington killed Sheppelman.

The McLean County State’s Attorney’s office said Patrick would have been charged with homicide if he were still alive. He died in June of 1992.

Police say no one else will likely be charged.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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