Champaign Police are reclassifying the shooting of a downtown bar manager as a homicide, following the death of Brandon L. Hardway.
The Champaign County Coroner’s office says the 45-year-old Hardway, of Champaign, died early Saturday at Carle Hospital, due to injuries he received in a shooting on the afternoon of February 8.
Police say the shooting took place outside Pour Brothers Craft Taproom in downtown Champaign, where Hardway served as a general manager. According to the police, Hardway was outside on a cigarette break when he was shot in the back.
Police arrested 24-year-old Fidele Tshimanga of Urbana in connection with the shooting. He is being held at the Champaign County Jail. Although initially charged with attempted murder, authorities say the charges will now be amended.
WCIA-TV reports Tshimanga also faces burglary and armed robbery charges from a previous incident.
A post on its Facebook page said Pour Brothers would be open Sunday, despite Hardway’s passing the day before. The post remembers Hardway as Pour Brothers’ first hire and first general manager.
“(Hardway) was a friend to everyone and made that clear with his infectious personality and ability to listen with compassion,” the post continued. “He made the world and our bar a better place, and for that, we thank him. We should all aspire to be more like Brandon. We ask that you continue to support his wife, Erin, and his family with the love and positivity you have shown thus far.”
A GoFundMe page set up for the Hardway family had raised $54,800 towards a $60,000 goal, as of Sunday afternoon.
Although an arrest was made in connection with Hardway’s shooting death, Champaign Police say an investigation continues, and witnesses and video footage are still being sought. They ask that anyone with additional information call the department at 217-351-4545. They say arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. One option for anonymous information is to contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), or online at 373tips.com or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
