Terrifying Late-Night Attack in Urbana Neighborhood Leaves Community Reeling—Authorities Urge Public to Help Identify Killers

URBANA, IL – A 7-year-old child and his father were fatally shot during a violent home invasion in Urbana on Saturday night, February 8, 2025, sending shockwaves through the quiet residential neighborhood.

The Urbana Police Department (UPD) has identified the child as Bryson Taylor, a bright and cheerful first-grader whose life was cut tragically short when armed intruders stormed his home on Lanore Drive.

Bryson’s father, 43-year-old Damien Taylor, was also gunned down during the horrifying incident.

Police responded to multiple frantic 911 calls reporting gunfire at a single-family residence in the 900 block of Lanore Drive, just south of the Brookens Administrative Center, near Washington Street.

When officers arrived at approximately 7:56 p.m., they discovered a devastating scene—Bryson clinging to life with multiple gunshot wounds while his father lay nearby, mortally wounded.

Despite desperate medical efforts, Bryson succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Carle Foundation Hospital.

His father, Damien, was also rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead within the hour.

As of Sunday morning, the assailants remain at large, and Urbana police have launched an aggressive search for those responsible for the senseless double homicide.

Terror Strikes Urbana: Home Invasion Quickly Turns Deadly

According to preliminary investigations, the attack began as a forced home invasion shortly before 8:00 p.m., with at least two armed individuals breaking into the Taylor residence.

Details remain unclear as to whether the suspects specifically targeted the home or if it was a random act of violence.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether there was a struggle before shots were fired, but early evidence suggests that Damien Taylor fought to protect his son in a desperate bid to save their lives.

“It’s gut-wrenching. A father trying to protect his child in his own home, only to be brutally gunned down. It’s just horrific,” said Sergeant Mark Reynolds of the Urbana Police Department.

Neighbors Describe ‘Horrifying’ Sounds of Gunfire and Screams for Help

The normally peaceful neighborhood on Lanore Drive was shaken to its core by the deadly violence.

Residents reported hearing loud bangs, followed by screams for help.

“I was sitting in my living room when I heard what sounded like fireworks,” said Erica Lawson, who lives two houses down from the Taylors. “Then I realized it was gunshots. I ran to my window and saw people running. It was terrifying.”

Others described a car speeding away from the scene, but no clear descriptions of the suspects have been provided.

Security camera footage from nearby homes is now being analyzed by investigators in hopes of identifying the killers.

Who Were the Victims? Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Father and Young Son

Bryson Taylor, just 7 years old, was a beloved student at Wiley Elementary School, known for his infectious smile and love for superheroes.

His teachers and classmates are devastated, with school officials preparing to provide grief counseling for students on Monday.

“Bryson was full of life. He was the sweetest kid, always talking about wanting to be a firefighter when he grew up,” said Wiley Elementary teacher Mrs. Angela Robinson.

Damien Taylor, his father, worked as a construction supervisor and was described as a hardworking, loving parent who adored his son.

“Damien was a dedicated father,” said family friend Marcus Leach. “He would do anything for Bryson. To know they were both taken like this, in their own home, it’s just unbearable.”

Manhunt Underway—Police Urge Public to Help Identify Suspects

As of Sunday evening, the Urbana Police Department has not yet named any suspects in the double homicide.

However, authorities are actively combing through forensic evidence, including:
🔹 Bullet casings found inside the home
🔹 Possible DNA left by the intruders
🔹 Security camera footage from nearby residences

A $10,000 reward is now being offered by Champaign County Crime Stoppers for any information leading to an arrest.

✔️ Anyone with information is urged to call Urbana Police at (217) 384-2320
✔️ Anonymous tips can be submitted to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-8477

Authorities are asking any residents with security cameras in the area to check their footage between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the night of the murder.

Rise in Violent Crimes in Urbana—Is This the New Normal?

The tragic deaths of Bryson and Damien Taylor come just one day after an unrelated fatal shooting took the life of 18-year-old Jayden Collins in Urbana, sparking concerns about a rise in deadly violence in the city.

According to local crime reports, homicides in Urbana have increased by 40% in the past year.

Community leaders, including Mayor Diane Marlin, addressed the growing concerns at an emergency press briefing on Sunday.

“We cannot allow this level of violence to become the new normal in our city,” Mayor Marlin said. “We are working closely with Urbana Police to ensure that justice is served for Bryson and Damien Taylor.”

What’s Next? Authorities Work Around the Clock to Catch Killers

As the investigation unfolds, detectives are working tirelessly to piece together the moments leading up to the deadly home invasion.

✔️ Were the Taylors targeted, or was this a random attack?
✔️ Did the suspects know the victims?
✔️ What was the motive behind the killings?

These are questions investigators are racing to answer before the case goes cold.

The Urbana community is set to hold a candlelight vigil for Bryson and Damien Taylor on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at Brookens Park, where friends, neighbors, and loved ones will gather to honor their memory.

As police intensify their search for the armed intruders, the city waits anxiously for justice to be served.