Murder Trial of Mattoon Man Underway

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Published on February 21 2018 9:43 am
Last Updated on February 21 2018 3:56 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Coles County murder trial of James Shafer is underway.

Testimony has concluded for Wednesday. Jury selection wrapped up Tuesday and testimony began.

The 26-year-old Mattoon man is charged in a 2016 incident in which shots were fired resulting in the death of 23-year-old Ciara Faries. The incident occurred in the 300 block of South 21st Street in Mattoon reportedly in an exchange of gunshots between two groups of people.

Shafer faces counts of first degree murder, as well as felon in possession of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm.