FBI lead task force offering a reward in ISU graduate student’s death

Posted on December 13, 2021
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. (Photo courtesy: FBI Springfield/Twitter)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – The task force, led by the FBI and local law enforcement, is offering a reward for anyone with information about the death of Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day.

As the investigation into Day’s death continues, the Jelani Day Joint Task Force (JDJTF) announced a $10,000 reward for important information regarding Day’s final hours on Monday.

In addition, the task force is engaging in a coordinated, nationwide, multi-platform social media campaign to identify new leads.

“Investigators believe the full cooperation of the public and Day’s close contacts may be key to understanding the facts and circumstances surrounding Day’s death,” the task force said in a news release.

Day was last seen on ISU’s campus and at a retail store in Bloomington on Aug. 24. On Aug. 25, Day was reported missing after failing to return a message from a professor and family members.

His body was discovered in the Illinois River in Peru, Illinois, on Sept. 4.

The Jelani Day Joint Task Force (JDJTF) consists of Bloomington Police, Peru Police, FBI – Chicago Division, LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, City of LaSalle Police, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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