IL Man Killed 13-Year-Old And 2 Women, Shot Himself In Head: Police

BLOOMINGTON, IL — A Bloomington man killed his girlfriend, her son and her friend before turning the gun on himself, according to police.

Christopher H. Simmons, 33, repeatedly and fatally shot 31-year-old Chelsea L. Lusher and 13-year-old Armoni L. Bennett, both of Bloomington, as well as 30-year-old Trina J. Hollings of Normal, police said. Simmons then shot himself once in the head, according to officials.

A resident of a home in the 900 block of North Lee Street in Bloomington discovered the scene Sunday and contacted police, according to authorities, who said Simmons and the three victims were all pronounced dead around 12:30 p.m.

Police found a gun under Simmons’ body, which he legally bought in 2021, authorities said, adding his Illinois Firearm Owners Identification card had later been revoked.

A GoFundMe to pay for Lusher’s funeral and support her daughters referred to her as “a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.”

“She was taken from us far too soon, leaving behind her beautiful daughters who now face a future without her,” the fundraiser webpage said.

Bennett’s father set up a separate GoFundMe to cover the boy’s funeral and create a scholarship in his name.

“Armoni was a shining star, excelling in everything he set his mind to,” Allante Bennett wrote of his son, detailing the boy’s dedication to school, his involvement in sports and the arts, and his dream of attending Harvard University.

A third GoFundMe was established to support Hollings’ family.

“To know Trina was to know the most beautiful soul in the room,” the webpage said. “She was always putting her family first and she protected the ones she loved the most. She was such a bright light.”

Domestic violence community resources are available at 211illinois.org.