Decatur men charged with murder after unrelated arrests

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Two men were charged with first degree murder in Macon County on Tuesday after they were arrested for separate, unrelated crimes in the last two weeks, including an attempted murder.

Officials with the Decatur Police Department said John Inman, 40, and Trimarion Howell, 20, are charged in connection to the murder of Darrell Coon Jr. on April 15 . The 65-year-old was shot multiple times on South Jasper Street in what appeared to be a targeted act of violence.

Police later released images and video of two people of interest in the murder.

Howell was arrested on May 3 in connection to another shooting four days earlier . A 21-year-old was left in critical condition after being shot in the head and chest. Howell is charged with attempted murder in connection to that shooting.

Inman was arrested on May 6 following a police chase through downtown Decatur ; a gun was also recovered from his car. Officials said Inman admitted that he fled a traffic stop because he knew he had warrants out for his arrest that were unrelated to Coon’s murder. In connection to the police chase, Inman is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding and being a felon with a gun, among other charges.

Now, both Inman and Howell are charged with first degree murder on top of all their other charges. They remain in custody at the Macon County Jail.

The Decatur Police Department is still investigating Coon’s murder. Officials said they appreciate the help they’ve received from the public so far; anyone else who has information is encouraged to contact the DPD Criminal Investigations Division (217-424-2734) or Macon County Crimestoppers (217-423-8477).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.