Crime Stoppers is seeking tips or any information which might be helpful in solving the below listed homicides which have occurred in Sangamon County in past years . In some instances, these tragic criminal acts occurred many years ago and although the cases are not forgotten, new information has not materialized for a long period of time. New information is needed in all of these cases and it is hoped that, over time, someone has decided to come forward with information which might help investigators.

More details below where available

Anthony Gant (08/07/2011)

A 23-year-old Springfield man who was shot in the head while sitting on his porch early Sunday died at St. John's Hospital on Tuesday evening, the Sangamon County coroner's office announced Wednesday.

Anthony Gant of the 1900 block of South Wirt Avenue was pronounced dead at 6:27 p.m. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Springfield police said the shooting happened about 5 a.m. Sunday. Gant was on the porch of his home when someone walked out between two houses across the street and fired nine or more shots.

Gant was one of four of five people at the house at the time of the shooting, which police do not believe was a random act.

Kaiser Bender (04/22/2010)

Bender was shot in the head at 3:15 a.m. Thursday inside the Chicago Style restaurant at Martin Luther King Drive and Kansas Street. Police have said Bender walked into the restaurant, ordered food and was shot while waiting for his order. The gunman ran away.

Police weren’t saying much about the case Monday other than they continue to investigate. No arrests have been made.

Lakisha Criss / Barron Rice (5/25/2005)

LaKisha Criss and Barron Rice were killed in their home at 2616 E. Lawrence Ave. Each had been shot once in the head and once in the body. Police believe the motive may have been robbery. Drawers were ransacked, and LaKisha's purse had been gone through. Barron owned Mr. Fresh Barber Shop at 15th and Ash streets. LaKisha worked at the shop.

Crime Stoppers has extended the $5000 Enhanced Reward Program through the month of October 2016 in hopes that persons come forward anonymously to provide information which leads to an arrest in these, or any homicide case which occurred prior to 2016.

If persons wish to submit a tip in the Cold Case Enhanced Reward Program, follow normal Crime Stopper tip procedures by calling 217 788-8427 any time and leave a tip on the anonymous tip line. A tip number will be provided to the caller to maintain anonymity. Anonymous tips can also be left on the Crime Stopper website Cashfortips.us or by text by using the Keyword Tip672, inputting the tip information, and sending the message to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7). A tip number will be automatically generated and provided to the tipster. If information leads to an arrest, a cash reward will be paid to the tipster. The $5000 reward program applies only to tips received before October 31, 2016.