Man shown in video no longer considered suspect in Jelani Day’s death

Posted on September 29, 2021
Last Thursday, authorities confirmed a body found in the south bank of the Illinois River was Jelani Day. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

PERU – Authorities investigating the death of Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day said Wednesday they have ruled out a young man as a person of interest in the case.

Peru Police released a video on social media of a man knocking on the door of a home on August 25, when Day was reported missing.

In a statement, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office said they located the man, interviewed him, and “it has been determined he is not a suspect or any longer a person of interest.”

Police said they verified the man was in the neighborhood as part of his employment.

Last Thursday, authorities confirmed a body found in the south bank of the Illinois River was Jelani Day.

The investigation continues with a multi-jurisdictional unit composed of Bloomington, LaSalle, and Peru Police, Illinois State Police, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office, and the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…