Daryl Vandyke, 55, an acquaintance of the child’s father, has been charged with the first-degree murder of 14 year-old Steven Wayne Butler III. 

14 year-old boy found dead in Champaign, Illinois, 55 year-old suspect arrested

By Edward Era Barbacena

The body of a missing Champaign teen was found Friday morning.

3400 block of East Washingtin Street where Steven Butler III's dead body was found by two bicyclists around 7 AM

Two bicyclists discovered the body of 14-year-old Steven Butler III around 7 a.m. in the 3400 block of East Washington Street.

Steven had left the family home in the 900 block of Harvard Street about 5 p.m., didn’t return his dad’s calls and could not be found

The teen was reported missing to Champaign police about 7:30 p.m. Thursday by his father, who said it was out of character for him not to stay in touch with him.

Steven had left the family home in the 900 block of Harvard Street about 5 p.m., didn’t return his dad’s calls and could not be found.

The investigation into Butler's homicide led authorities to 55-year-old Darryl Vandyke of Champaign.

500 block North Russell Street in Champaign

Rietz said Vandyke was arrested at his home in the 500 block of North Russell Street in Champaign just before 11 a.m. Friday. He declined to speak with police.

Vandyke  is in police custody in the apparent beating death of a Butler whose body was found Friday morning in a roadside ditch east of Urbana

Vandyke already had a Douglas County warrant out for his arrest for contempt of court.

He was taken into custody just before 11 a.m. Friday.

The crime scene where police believe Butler was killed was found inside a home.

The boy was the victim of blunt-force injuries, Rietz said. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

A Facebook post made Thursday by the boy’s father said that he had left his home to mow a lawn but didn’t return.

“His phone was shut off. He has never just stayed gone. He never leaves for more than an hour at most. He left his money and didn’t have anything other than his phone. Please help!! He doesn’t know anyone here. No friends. He left to mow a yard and the guy said he came and mowed. That’s the last he was seen or heard from. God please bring my son home,” the post read.

The boy’s image had also been posted on the Missing Persons Awareness Network, which listed several photos of him.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said Daryl Vandyke, 55, an acquaintance of the child’s father, has been charged with the first-degree murder of Steven Wayne Butler III based on the evidence and information learned during the investigation

He’s being held in lieu of $2 million bond and is expected to make his first court appearance Monday.

Vandyke was taken to the Champaign County Correctional Center.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: NY Post