SPD Investigates Domestic Violence Incident, Death of Man in River

Springfield Police are continuing to investigate a domestic violence incident and the death of a man who was found in the Sangamon River on Monday afternoon.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on March 17, officers responded to the 4000 block of Sand Hill Road to check on the welfare of a woman after receiving reports of a possible domestic violence situation. Upon arrival, police found a female victim suffering from a serious head wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though her condition remains unknown at this time.

Minutes later, at approximately 12:08 p.m., emergency dispatchers began receiving calls about a man who had jumped from the Peoria Road/Sherman Boulevard bridge into the Sangamon River. Officers located the man and attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, confirmed the identity of the 61-year-old man who was recovered from the Sangamon River on March 17, 2025. Christopher Roberts, of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at 1:45 p.m. after jumping from a bridge located on Peoria Road and Sherman Boulevard. An autopsy was done, and preliminary findings are consistent with drowning.

The Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Springfield Police at 217-788-8311 or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.