James charged with murder in shooting of his cousin
and Michael Kiser, Anchor, Reporter, A man accused in the fatal shooting of his cousin last Friday afternoon in a Champaign County farm field has been formally charged with four counts of First Degree Murder.
Gerard James faces the charges in the death of his cousin 80-year-old Harlan James.
The shooting occurred northwest of Mahomet along the Piatt County line.
Lieutenant Ed Ogle of the Champaign County Sheriff's Office said the shooting apparently followed an argument between the two men. He said they had been involved in a long-standing dispute. Police have not revealed the nature of the dispute.
Gerard James remained in custody on $1 million bond. He's due back in court on October 18th with an attorney.
Harlan James had a long history of community involvement, from heading up community relations for the Illinois Bell Telephone company for many years to serving as a past president of the United Way of Champaign County and as a board member for the Urban League of Champaign County. He also served on the boards of numerous other civic organizations.
Visitation will be held for Harlan James from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Morgan Memorial Home on Regency Drive in Savoy. A memorial service and Masonic rites will follow.
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