By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – A judge has set bond at $5 million for murder suspect Daniel Lyons, Jr., 22, of Normal, who’s accused of shooting-to-death a local man in north Normal Wednesday afternoon.
McLean County prosecutors provided no information about a motive during Lyons’ initial court appearance.
Lyons is charged with two counts of first degree murder for allegedly shooting David Parks, also 22, outside an apartment building at 702 South Golfcrest in Normal. The coroner said Parks died after suffering approximately five gunshot wounds.
Police reportedly found 9 mm shell casings near the scene, and prosecutors said investigators recovered a 9 mm handgun during a search of Lyons’ apartment at 712 North Golfcrest.
Prosecutors said multiple witnesses reported someone driving off in a small, maroon-colored sport utility vehicle in the direction of Lyons’ residence immediately after the shooting.
Surveillence video showed the driver entering the apartment and taking off again less than 30 seconds later.
Prosecutors said the S-U-V was registered to the mother of Lyons’ girlfriend. Police arrested him early Thursday morning in Lincoln after he allegedly fled to his father’s home.
Lyons faces 45-years to natural life in prison if he’s found guilty, an enhanced penalty because a gun was used to commit the crime.
Prosecutors said Lyons is on parole for 2014 McLean County robbery and drug dealing convictions.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].
