On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at approximately 2:50pm, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at a mobile home park in the 1000 block of North Edmond in Springfield. Witnesses gave a suspect vehicle description and direction of travel to Deputies.
The victim, a 33 year old male from Springfield, suffered at least one gunshot wound.  The victim was transported to St. John’s Hospital, but was pronounced deceased at approximately 3:21pm.
Detectives responded to the scene, and learned the shooting could be related to an earlier disturbance in the 600 block of North Wesley.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon later the identied the man shot as Michael Newton, 33, of Springfield, An autopsy done showed Mr. Newton died from a gunshot wound to the neck.
Officers with the Springfield Police Department located the suspect vehicle parked in the 2400 block of Foxbridge Road and notified SCSO. Deputies made contact with a resident and searched the house, but the suspect was not located inside. A witness was transported to the Sheriff’s Office, interviewed by detectives, and released. The suspect vehicle was processed for evidence. Â
On May 6, an arrest warrant was issued by the State's Attorney's Office for Brandon L. Berner, 23 of Springfield. The warrant charges Berner with three counts of 1st Degree Murder in the death of Michael Newton.Â
Sheriff's detectives were able to identify Berner as the suspect during the course of the investigation. Monday night approximately 10pm, Berner turned himself in at the Springfield Police Department. Deputies responded and transported Berner to the Sangamon County Jail, where he awaits a pre-trial detention hearing.
