UPDATE: Bar manager shot in downtown Champaign dies

Jim Rossow, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
Updated ·2 min read

Feb. 17—The manager of a Champaign bar who was shot outside the establishment earlier this month has died.

Brandon Hardway, 45, passed away at 1:02 a.m. today at Carle Foundation Hospital, Champaign County Coroner Steve Thuney confirmed.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

In a Facebook post, his wife, Erin Hardway, said: "It is with immense, unspeakable sadness that I share this update with you. ... Brandon died peacefully overnight after life supporting equipment was removed.

"My world is shattered. I had 3 beautiful months as his wife, but I was supposed to have forever. I have been so incredibly lucky to love Brandon and be loved by him. Thank you to our family, friends, and community for all the support we have received through this horrible time. You all are truly appreciated."

Pour Bros., which closed for three days following the Feb. 8 shooting, will stay open Saturday "as that is what Brandon would want," a post on the bar's Facebook page said. "Please keep our staff in your hearts. We are all hurting so much and need you more than ever. Brandon will always be here with us in spirit."

A GoFundMe page was created to support Mr. Hardway and his family.

Champaign police said today that the investigation into Mr. Hardway's death has been reclassified as a homicide.

Mr. Hardway was shot in the back outside Pour Bros. on Feb. 8.

Fidele G. Tshimanga, 24, was charged with one count of attempted murder in the first degree and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm. He faces 31 years to natural life in prison on the attempted murder charge, a Class X felony with a heightened penalty range.

Assistant State's Attorney Troy Lozar said Hardway was on a cigarette break outside Pour Bros. around 3:18 p.m. on the day of the shooting when Tshimanga allegedly produced a black handgun and shot Hardway in the back.

Champaign County Judge Brett Olmstead ruled Wednesday that Tshimanga must remain in jail ahead of trial. He also granted a motion by Public Defender Peter Ladwein to have Tshimanga evaluated by a forensic psychiatrist to determine if he is mentally fit for trial and if he was insane at the time of his alleged offenses.

Recounting evidence from the shooting, Olmstead said Tshimanga allegedly asked Hardway for a cigarette and shot him at point-blank range, unprovoked, when he didn't receive one.

State's Attorney Julia Rietz said Tshimanga admitted to police after he was arrested that he had stolen the gun. She said the gun had been reported stolen Nov. 26 by a man who told police it was taken from the center console of his vehicle sometime after he parked it outside his apartment four days earlier in Savoy.