DECATUR, Ill. — A quiet Friday night in Decatur turned tragic after a 17-year-old boy, identified as Tev Ots, was fatally shot outside a business on East Wood Street. The Decatur Police Department has since arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the deadly incident, launching a full-scale homicide investigation that has shaken the local community.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 10:10 p.m. on October 24 in the 1100 block of East Wood Street. Officers responding to multiple reports of gunfire found Ots suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency responders quickly transported him to Decatur Memorial Hospital, but despite extensive life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Within hours, patrol officers identified and located a vehicle believed to be linked to the shooting. A 19-year-old suspect was detained at a nearby residence connected to the car. Working through the night, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division executed search warrants at two locations in Decatur, recovered critical evidence, and collected video surveillance footage that reportedly tied the suspect to the crime scene.
By early Saturday morning, police announced the arrest of Nehemiah T. Meyers, 19, of Decatur. He has been charged with first-degree murder and booked into the Macon County Jail. The department emphasized that while an arrest has been made, the case remains an active investigation as detectives continue to follow up on leads and interview witnesses who may have information about what led to the fatal encounter.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (217) 424-2734 or to provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers at (217) 423-8477. Police believe there may be more witnesses who have not yet come forward and stress that every detail could be vital in ensuring justice for the victim and his family.
The Decatur community has been left heartbroken by the loss of Tev Ots, a teenager whose life ended far too soon. Friends, family, and neighbors have expressed shock and sorrow, describing him as a bright and kind young man with his future ahead of him. As investigators continue their work, residents across Decatur mourn yet another life lost to senseless violence and call for peace in their city.