ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN MACON COUNTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025
September 10, 2025
𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑 – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 5 requests the public’s assistance with the death investigation of 51-year-old James E. Taylor of Decatur, IL.
On May 19, 2023, Taylor was found deceased in a rural area near his home. He was reported missing on May 12, 2023, to the Decatur Police Department and was last seen alive on May 10, 2023, at approximately 6 p.m. ISP Special Agents are investigating the death as a homicide.
“ISP is committed to justice and continues to review and pursue cold cases,” said ISP Lieutenant Chad Dumonceaux. “We encourage individuals who previously thought information they had was not relevant, or who may have been hesitant to come forward, to reach out to law enforcement. Small pieces of information can sometimes turn into big leads.”
Decatur Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,500 for information regarding Taylor’s death.
Please contact Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-8477 or visit their website at https://www.maconcountycrimestoppers.com/. You may also provide tips directly to ISP at https://isptips.illinois.gov/, contact ISP DCI Zone 5 through the tip line at (217) 278-5004, or by email at ISP.Zone.5.Investigations@Illinois.gov. Witnesses can remain anonymous.
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