McLean County Coroner identifies victims of recent murder
Written by Colleen Holden on February 25, 2025
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Police Department and McLean County Coroner’s Office have released the identities of the four dead individuals found on the 900 block of North Lee Street on Sunday morning.
Pronounced deceased at 12:27 p.m., on Feb. 23, 2025, were Christopher H. Simmons, age 33, of Bloomington, Illinois; Chelsea L. Lusher, age 31, of Bloomington, Illinois; Trina J. Hollings, age 30, of Normal, Illinois; and Armoni L. Bennett, age 13, of Bloomington, Illinois. The preliminary autopsy reports Simmons died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Lusher, Hollings and Bennett all died of multiple gunshot wounds. Toxicology results for all decedents are pending.
Based on their investigation thus far, the BPD suspects Simmons killed his girlfriend Lusher, her biological son Bennett and friend Hollings. After murdering the three individuals, Simmons fatally shot himself. Another resident of the home discovered the scene that day and immediately contacted police. The weapon was found under the body of Simmons and was originally purchased legally, but he has since had his FOID card revoked, making the possession illegal.
A vigil was held last night on Lee Street in remembrance of the fallen.
This incident is not a closed case, as the circumstances surrounding it are still being investigated. The BPD encourages anyone with information to contact Detective Kevin Raisbeck at 309-434-2593 or Kraisbeck@cityblm.org, and anyone experiencing or aware of someone experience domestic violence to call the 24/7 hotline 309-827-7070. Resources can also be found at 211illinois.org.
