Chad Perry Obituary, Death – A man from Mattoon lost his life in a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday night during a disturbance in the small town of Cowden, Illinois. Authorities have identified the deceased as 54-year-old Chad Perry. The tragic incident unfolded late in the evening and has prompted a thorough investigation by local and state law enforcement.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was made at approximately 9:46 p.m. reporting a disturbance in Cowden, a rural community located in Shelby County. Responding deputies arrived at the scene to find that a shooting had taken place, leaving one man dead.
Officials say that Perry died as a result of a gunshot wound, and the suspected shooter has been identified as 56-year-old Trent Buchanan, a resident of Cowden. Buchanan was arrested at the scene and later booked into the Shelby County Jail on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. The nature of the charge suggests that while the shooting resulted in a fatality, it may not have been premeditated, and further investigation will determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal event.
Shelby County authorities have taken the lead in investigating the incident. As part of the response, Shelby County Coroner Beth Debolt transported Perry’s body for an autopsy to help clarify the cause and manner of death. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services division has been called in to provide technical support and process forensic evidence, while the Shelby County State’s Attorney’s Office is also working closely with investigators to determine any additional legal action that may be appropriate.
As of now, few details have been released about what exactly led to the confrontation between Perry and Buchanan. Investigators have not disclosed whether the men knew each other prior to the incident, what may have sparked the disturbance, or whether any weapons were recovered at the scene. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
News of the shooting has shaken the quiet rural area of Cowden and the nearby community of Mattoon, where Perry was from. Friends and family are mourning the sudden loss of a man whose life ended abruptly in a violent episode. Meanwhile, Buchanan remains in custody as the legal process begins.
The charge of involuntary manslaughter in Illinois typically applies when someone unintentionally causes the death of another person through reckless or negligent actions. It remains to be seen whether additional charges could be filed or if the current charge could be upgraded based on the findings of the investigation.
Autopsy results, witness interviews, and forensic evidence will all play a critical role in determining the final conclusions of the case. Prosecutors will likely use these findings to decide how to proceed and whether Buchanan will face further legal consequences.
The Illinois State Police and Shelby County officials have not yet provided a timeline for when more information will be released. However, they have reassured the public that the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to community safety.
As investigators continue piecing together what happened Wednesday night, both communities involved are grappling with the impact of the event. For Mattoon residents, the loss of Chad Perry is being felt deeply, and for those in Cowden, the arrest of one of their own under such serious circumstances adds a layer of sorrow and concern.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has stated they will release updates as the investigation progresses and more facts come to light. In the meantime, authorities continue to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and seek to understand how an evening disturbance turned into a deadly confrontation.
Community leaders are urging residents to remain patient and cooperative as the case unfolds. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday disputes or unknown factors can escalate into irreversible tragedies. For now, one family is mourning a lost loved one, and another is facing the prospect of a long and difficult legal journey.