Springfield Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Calvin Bell of Springfield.
On March 8, 2025, at approximately 2:03 a.m., Springfield Police responded to the 800 block of Stevenson Drive following a report of a large fight. During the 911 call, gunshots were heard in the background. Upon arrival, officers found Bell with a gunshot wound.
Springfield Fire Department and EMS provided medical assistance before transporting him to HSHS St. John’s Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:26 a.m.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon later confirmed Bell’s identity and stated that an autopsy determined he died from a gunshot wound.
At approximately 7:30 a.m., the Springfield Police Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant in the 1500 block of West North Grand Avenue. Two individuals were transported to the Springfield Police Department for questioning.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Springfield Police detectives arrested 38-year-old Emmanuel K. Watts of Springfield for Bell’s death. Watts was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He remains in the Sangamon County Jail awaiting formal charges by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities will release additional information as it becomes available.