Nationwide — Two brothers, Jesse and Jordan Kollman, who are from Edgar County, Illinois, face attempted murder and hate crime charges after an alleged attack on three Black men while they were fishing. Court records say the confrontation escalated into gunfire.
According to WCIA, officials say Danville alderman Jaleel Jones and two friends were fishing on April 3 at White Oaks Park when the Kollman brothers and their friend Jayden Reynolds arrived in a white pickup truck.
Investigators say the situation turned confrontational after the men, who had reportedly been drinking earlier that night, got out of the truck. Prosecutors say they began harassing the fishermen and used racial slurs. The victims say they tried to walk away and avoid any conflict as tensions rose.
Police say Jordan Kollman then pulled a shotgun from the truck and fired a shot into the air. Authorities also say Reynolds had purchased the firearm earlier that evening. Prosecutors say threats were made during the confrontation, including a statement that they would “blow your heads off.”
Officials say Tajon King, one of the fishermen who was legally carrying a 9mm handgun, fired in self-defense after believing his life was in danger. He struck Jordan Kollman multiple times in the abdomen and hip area. The three men then fled the scene and called 911 to report they were being shot at.
Law enforcement later recovered shotgun shells and 9mm casings at the site, along with damage consistent with a shootout. Investigators say the shotgun ammunition matched what was purchased earlier that night. Police arrested the Kollman brothers later in the evening, and both were denied pretrial release during their court appearance.
The State’s Attorney’s Office says the incident was racially motivated and aimed at forcing the Black men out of Edgar County. Community members have since voiced concern and frustration over the case. Jesse and Jordan Kollman are set to return to court next Friday, while Jayden Reynolds is scheduled to appear on Monday.