Aurora Police Fatally Shoot Armed Man

The Kane County Coroner's Office has identified the 27-year-old victim as Temesgen Welendreyas.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kane County Coroner's Office has identified the man who was fatally shot by Aurora police on January 21 near the Fox River in downtown Aurora. The 27-year-old victim, Temesgen Welendreyas, was shot after police responded to a 911 call about a battery and a person with a weapon. Welendreyas displayed a knife when approached by police, and officers fired at him, resulting in at least one gunshot wound. The Fox Valley Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the use of force by the officers, and the findings will be presented to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office for an independent review.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding police use of force, particularly in cases involving individuals with weapons. The investigation will likely examine the officers' decision-making and whether the use of lethal force was justified under the circumstances.

The details

According to the police, officers responded to a 911 call about a battery and a person with a weapon in the 300 block of South Broadway. When they located the man, who was barricaded, he displayed a knife, and the officers fired at him, resulting in at least one gunshot wound. The Kane County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy and attributed the preliminary cause of Welendreyas' death to gunshot wounds.

  • The incident occurred on January 21, 2026 around 12:35 p.m.
  • The Kane County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on January 23, 2026.

The players

Temesgen Welendreyas

A 27-year-old Aurora resident who was fatally shot by Aurora police.

Fox Valley Major Crimes Task Force

The task force handling the ongoing investigation into the use of force by the officers.

Kane County State's Attorney's Office

The office that will conduct an independent review of the task force's findings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every case involving the use of deadly force by a police officer must be carefully and thoroughly investigated. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, as well as the civil rights of those involved, no additional information will be released at this time.”

— Jamie Mosser, Kane County State's Attorney (News release)

What’s next

The Fox Valley Major Crimes Task Force will present its findings to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office for an independent review.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding police use of force, particularly in cases involving individuals with weapons. The investigation will likely examine the officers' decision-making and whether the use of lethal force was justified under the circumstances.