Investigation continues into shooting death of Quincy teen

QUINCY — The investigation into the death of a 16-year-old student in the Quincy School District continues, and detectives are searching for more information.

A Friday afternoon press release from Adam Yates, chief of the Quincy Police Department, said detectives continue to follow leads. Interviews have been conducted, and information continues to be gathered and analyzed. Detectives are preparing evidence to be sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab in Springfield along with requests for forensic analysis. 

The Quincy/Adams County 911 Center received a call of suspicious circumstances in the 400 block of Gardner Park Drive at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday. About that same time, another call came in from the 400 block of Scenic Drive reporting someone had been shot. When officers arrived on scene, a female victim was found dead inside a residence.

Neither the Adams County Coroner’s Office nor the Quincy Police Department are releasing the victim’s name. However, Muddy River News has confirmed the victim was Mackenzie Bullard, 16. A death certificate won’t be filed at the Adams County Health Department until the findings of a Thursday autopsy in Peoria are sent to Quincy.

Yates said several Quincy Regional Crimestoppers tips have been received, and each are being investigated. 

“It is important to note that direct statements are key to building a case,” Yates said in the press release. “We would always prefer to meet with people in person or talk to them by phone so we can ask questions related to the information provided. Requests for anonymity will be honored to the best of our ability.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Quincy Police Department at 217-228-4470, visit the Quincy Police Department website at quincypolicedepartment.com/contact or submit a tip through Quincy Regional Crimestoppers.