Football Player Shot In Critical Condition

UPDATE: Below we have the detailed police story of how/why Butler was shot.

In sad news, Northern Illinois linebacker Devon Butler was shot in a drug related drive by shooting at an apartment near campus last night and is still listed in critical condition as of this evening. About the only good news is that police do have two suspects in custody.

DeKalb police released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

“At 11:56 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5th DeKalb police received a report of gunshots in the area of Aspen Drive and Hillcrest Drive in DeKalb. An ambulance was also requested. DeKalb investigators determined that shots were fired from a vehicle at Apartment 3, 1009 Aspen Drive. One of those shots penetrated the window in Apartment #3 and struck Northern Illinois junior linebacker Devon Butler, a visitor at the apartment.

DeKalb investigators determined Apartment #3 at 1009 Aspen Drive was targeted as a result of a drug transaction that occurred earlier Tuesday. DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen emphasized that there is no indication that NIU student Devon Butler had any knowledge of nor was involved or present during that drug transaction earlier in the day. Devon Butler arrived at the apartment late Tuesday evening to meet with friends.

The DeKalb police investigation is proceeding quickly and two suspects are now in custody and charged with attempted first degree murder (Class X felony), aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony), aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony), and unlawful delivery of cannabis (Class 4 felony). The suspects charged include Mark O. Orozco age 24 and Richard F. Van Arsdale, III, 20 years old, both of DeKalb.”

via HuskieWire