By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County has gone over a year without a murder.

“We’ve had DUI fatalities, and things like that, but a county of 170,000 people and we have not had that crime committed in our county in that time frame,” said State’s Attorney Jason Chambers. “I think that’s remarkable.”

Chambers said a year ago Nov. 16 was the last time a homicide happened in the county.

“I know there are some people that are like, ‘don’t say it, then something will happen,'” said Chambers. “You know what? Me saying it’s not going to make it happen. When it does happen, it will be a tragedy, but I think also what we need to focus on, and think about, is celebrating that it hasn’t happened.”

Chambers noted Sangamon County has had 10 murders in the same amount of time.

“They’re not a whole lot different from us, size wise, and they’re on their 10th murder. I think Champaign County is less than 10, but they’re not far from it; Peoria is at like 15,” Chambers said.

Chambers credited the low murder rate partially to police agencies, prosecutors and luck, but also believes a major factor is the fact the community just doesn’t want that type of crime.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].