From Law & Crime · · 2m
Teen Died Protecting Sister During Robbery Attempt
Illinois man pleads guilty to shooting teen who shielded sister during street festival robbery.
In brief
Illinois man pleads guilty to shooting teen who shielded sister during street festival robbery. Michael Wallace pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 17-year-old Caleb Witty's death after he shielded his sister during a robbery attempt on their walk home from a Decatur street festival. Originally reported by Law &…
Teen died protecting sister
Caleb Witty, 17, died after shielding his 14-year-old sister during a robbery attempt on their walk home from the Decatur Celebration street festival.
“Caleb shielded his sister, giving her time to run away.”
Murderer pleads guilty
Michael Wallace, 36, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Caleb Witty's death on Monday.
“Michael Wallace, 36, on Monday pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Caleb Witty in Decatur.”
Murder unsolved for decade
The 2011 murder went unsolved for more than a decade until police arrested Wallace and Bobby Gipson in 2024.
“The 2011 murder went unsolved for more than a decade, until cops arrested Wallace and Bobby Gipson, now 37, in 2024.”
Robbery attempt details
Police said Caleb and his sister were walking home from the Decatur Celebration street fest around 11:30 p.m. on August 4, 2011, when Wallace and Gipson tried to rob them.
“Police said Caleb and his then-14-year-old sister were walking home from the Decatur Celebration street fest around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2011.”
Shooting occurred
Caleb shielded his sister, giving her time to run away, before police said the gunman shot him in the arm and chest.
“Caleb shielded his sister, giving her time to run away. Police said the gunman shot him in the arm and chest.”
Fleeing suspects
Wallace and Gipson fled after the shooting, but Caleb died from his injuries.
“Police said Wallace and Gipson fled. Caleb died.”
Bobby Gipson also charged
Bobby Gipson, 37, faces first-degree murder charges and is scheduled to appear in court on November 5.
“The 2011 murder went unsolved for more than a decade, until cops arrested Wallace and Bobby Gipson, now 37, in 2024. Gipson is also facing first-degree murder charges and is slated to appear in court on Nov. 5.”
Arrests and jail
Gipson had moved away from the area and was arrested in Tennessee, while Wallace was arrested in Decatur. Both remain jailed without bond.
“Gipson had since moved away from the area and was arrested in Tennessee. Wallace was arrested in Decatur. Both suspects have been in the Macon County Jail without bond ever since.”
Police statement
The Macon County State's Attorney's Office said Caleb's family and witnesses helped bring the defendant to accountability for the murder.
“Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement community, Caleb's family, and ordinary people willing to do the right thing and come forward as witnesses, the defendant is held accountable for killing Caleb Witty”
Police reaction
The Decatur Police Department called Caleb's death 'a profound loss' and described it as 'senseless' due to the victim's age and innocence.
“Caleb Witty was a young man simply trying to enjoy an evening at the Decatur Celebration with his sister. And he was murdered for nothing. Words cannot even describe the senselessness of this crime. His untimely death was a profound loss that left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him.”
Sentence date
Wallace faces at least 40 years in prison when sentenced on December 8.
“Wallace faces at least 40 years behind bars when he is sentenced Dec. 8.”
Case background
The murder occurred on the 2200 block of E. Johns Avenue in Decatur, Illinois, where police say Wallace and Gipson killed Caleb.
“The 2200 block of E. Johns Avenue where cops say Wallace and Gipson killed Caleb (Google Maps).”
What happens next
Wallace will be sentenced to at least 40 years in prison on December 8, while Gipson awaits trial on November 5.
“Wallace faces at least 40 years behind bars when he is sentenced Dec. 8.”
The key point
Michael Wallace pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 17-year-old Caleb Witty's death after he shielded his sister during a robbery attempt on their walk home from a Decatur street festival.
