DECATUR, Ill. — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Friday night in Decatur when 17-year-old Tev Ots was fatally shot outside a business on East Wood Street, and 19-year-old Nehemiah T. Meyers was later arrested in connection with the killing. What began as a quiet evening quickly turned devastating, leaving family members, friends, and the entire community grappling with the sudden loss of a young life full of potential and promise.
The Decatur Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 10:10 p.m. on October 24, after receiving multiple reports of gunfire in the 1100 block of East Wood Street. When officers arrived, they discovered Tev suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel rushed him to Decatur Memorial Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was tragically pronounced deceased.
Suspect Arrested Following Overnight Investigation
Police moved swiftly in the hours after the shooting. Patrol officers located a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident and, shortly afterward, detained the suspected gunman at a residence associated with the car. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division worked through the night, executing search warrants at two different locations and recovering surveillance video that they say links the suspect to the scene.
By early Saturday morning, authorities announced the arrest of:
- Nehemiah T. Meyers, age 19, of Decatur
Meyers has been charged with First-Degree Murder and is currently being held at the Macon County Jail. Officials emphasize that although an arrest has been made, the investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives continuing to review evidence and interview potential witnesses.
Police Call for Witnesses to Come Forward
Authorities believe that more people may have witnessed the events leading up to the shooting or have information that could help bring full justice to Tev and his family.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
- Criminal Investigations Division: (217) 424-2734
- CrimeStoppers (Anonymous Tips): (217) 423-8477
Even the smallest detail, police stress, could prove crucial.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Tev Ots has left the Decatur community in deep grief. Only 17 years old, Tev was described by loved ones as:
- Warm-hearted
- Respectful
- Loyal to his friends
- A young man with dreams still unfolding
For his family, his absence is immeasurable. For his peers, the loss is unimaginable. For the city, the tragedy is yet another painful reminder of how gun violence forever changes the lives of everyone it touches.
A memorial has begun to form near the site of the shooting, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes placed by those mourning the tragic loss.
A Call for Peace and Healing
As Decatur mourns, community leaders, educators, and families are renewing conversations about youth violence intervention and the urgent need for unity and support among young people.
Tev’s memory now becomes a reminder of what is at stake — and how deeply every life matters.
Rest in Peace, Tev
May the family of Tev Ots find strength in the love surrounding them.
May the community hold them close during this unimaginable time.
May justice continue to move forward as investigators work tirelessly.
Gone too soon. Never forgotten.
