Shortly before midnight New Year’s Eve, officers from the Normal Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1700 block of Putnam Avenue in Northwest Normal. Upon arrival officers located one 17-year-old male victim lying in the parking lot, with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Officers along with paramedics from the Normal Fire Department, began immediate life saving measures. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he passed away a short time later.
The victim has been identified as Tariq L. Houston, age 17, of Springfield, Illinois; recently from Decatur, Illinois.
Houston was pronounced dead at 11:58 P.M., December 31, 2019, by McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder.
Yoder’s preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Houston died from a gunshot wound of the abdomen.
This incident remains under investigation and the Normal Police Department, McLean County Coroner and States Attorney’s Offices are working jointly.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to this incident should contact Detective Jason Hoollenkamp at (309)454-9730 or Sergeant Rob Cherry at (309)454-9726. Individuals can also contact the McLean County Crime Stoppers at (309)828-1111.
Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the individual(s) responsible for this crime.