Cornelius S. Smith dies in fatal Decatur shooting

Cornelius S. Smith dies in fatal Decatur shooting

Fatal Decatur shooting death of Cornelius S. Smith – Obituary

Cornelius S. Smith, a 27-year-old man from Decatur, tragically died from gunshot wounds on January 9, 2026, following an incident on West Marietta Street. Police responded to the scene around 10:57 a.m. and found Smith suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Shortly after the shooting, 26-year-old Keishaun R. Thomas arrived at the Decatur Police Department and confessed to shooting Smith following a physical altercation. Thomas also turned over the firearm believed to be involved in the incident. A second individual was present at the scene but was unharmed.

Thomas, who holds a valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL), was arrested for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm after further investigation and consultation with the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The Decatur Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.