The teenager arrested for the fatal stabbing in Fairview Homes on Thursday, January 2, 2025, has been charged as an adult for first-degree murder. This morning, Dareon S. Baker, 17, was arraigned in court at the Henry County Courthouse. Dareon Baker is charged with the fatal stabbing of 47-year-old Demario R. Brooms. The state filed a petition to deny pretrial release, which was granted following arguments by State’s Attorney Runty and Defense Attorney Lance Camp. Judge James Cosby ruled the state had met the burden of proof and ordered Dareon Baker detained. He will remain in the custody of the Henry County Jail. Baker waived a preliminary hearing and formal arraignment. A Jury Pre-Trial is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at 9 AM.
Dareon Baker is charged with First-Degree Murder (Class M Felony) and Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm (Class 3 Felony).
The Kewanee Police responded to Fairview Homes for a report of a stabbing that occurred during a fight on January 2, 2025, around noon. Officers arrived to find a male subject lying on the road, bleeding from his injuries. Officers and Emergency Medical Personnel from the Kewanee Fire Department began life-saving measures. The male succumbed to his injuries en route to OSF St. Luke Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. Officers and detectives gathered witness statements, reviewed surveillance footage, and collected evidence at the scene.
The Kewanee Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Paulsen or Investigations Sergeant Peed at 309-853-1911.