Man pleads innocent to September shooting

URBANA – A Champaign man pleaded innocent Friday to charges accusing him of shooting another man in September.

Brian Partlow, whose last known address was in the 100 block of East Bellefontaine Street, was arraigned and entered the plea on the Class X felony charge of aggravated battery with a firearm.

Judge Richard Klaus continued bond for Partlow, 19, at $50,000 on a warrant which was issued Sept. 7, 2007. The judge advised Partlow that he faces a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years, if convicted. Partlow is due to return to court for a pretrial hearing on July 1.

Partlow is accused of shooting a 53-year-old Champaign man in the 1300 block of North Walnut Street at 12:37 p.m. Sept. 5. Police officers had been sent to investigate a report of shots heard. When they arrived, they found the man who had been wounded by gunshots.

Police obtained the warrant for Partlow's arrest two days later and asked the public at the time for help in finding him.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said the victim was shot in the abdomen and arm on his front porch. Witnesses identified Partlow as the man who fired the shots, she said.

Witnesses also told police that the two had been arguing and that Partlow took out a gun and shot the other man, according to Rietz.

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