CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A 22-year-old Champaign man is once again facing first-degree murder charges, just two years after being acquitted of a similar charge. Zaire Herman, who was previously cleared in the 2023 fatal shooting of a man, now stands accused of killing another individual in a shooting on Sunday afternoon.
The latest incident occurred near Third Street and Burr Oak Court, where 31-year-old Anthony Miller was found shot in a vehicle. Miller was transported to the hospital for surgery but later passed away on Monday. Authorities revealed that Miller’s three young children, all under the age of four, were in the car with him when the shooting occurred. Prosecutors said Miller was struck in the head by a rifle.
A female witness who was nearby reported seeing a man crouching down with a rifle before hearing multiple gunshots. She then observed the man running away from the scene. Police later arrested Herman in the vicinity, wearing clothing that matched the description of the suspect seen fleeing on surveillance footage. Herman had distinctive black pants with large white floral patterns, similar to what the suspect in the video was wearing.
While the man in the footage was seen carrying a rifle and wearing a ski mask and purple glove, Herman was not found with any of these items during his arrest. Investigators later discovered a firearm discarded on a roof between the shooting site and Herman’s location.
This is not the first time Herman has encountered legal trouble. At just 22 years old, he already has an extensive criminal history dating back to his adolescence. Prosecutors pointed out his repeated failure to take advantage of community-based services and sentencing options when he was a juvenile. In January 2023, Herman was charged with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jalen Williams. Although he was arrested following the shooting, he was acquitted due to insufficient evidence and the lack of eyewitness testimony.
Herman’s defense lawyer argued that since the recent shooting appeared to be targeted, Herman should not be held in custody while awaiting trial. However, Judge Olmstead disagreed, emphasizing Herman’s past disregard for court orders and his apparent premeditated actions in the most recent killing.
Currently, Herman remains in pre-trial detention, facing a potential life sentence if convicted. The investigation is ongoing.
