DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Decatur residents are commemorating a young boy with a candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening, marking the day before the second anniversary of his passing.
Fifteen-year-old Tyler Eubanks was found fatally stabbed on July 30, 2023. As previously covered by WCIA, Decatur Police were called to an empty building on the 400 Block of West Harrison for a wellness check, where Tyler was later discovered. Investigators suspected that two other 15-year-olds had plotted Tyler’s murder and enticed him to the location.
Both teenagers accused of the crime have since learned their fate in court.
Jamarrion Lloyd, now 17, received a 20-year prison sentence in April for his involvement in the crime. While initially facing three murder charges, Lloyd accepted a plea agreement for an armed violence charge. Otis Allen, also 17, made a plea deal earlier in January and confessed to first degree murder, receiving a 30-year prison term.
“My son lost his life at 15,” expressed Tyler’s mother, Dionica Eubanks. “I just want other moms to understand, connect with your kids, embrace them firmly, and be more engaged in their lives. Because he should still be here with us.”
The vigil will take place at 545 W Olive Street in Decatur at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
