Yahacov Dennis Suicide or Murder: Did Eastern Illinois University student Yahacov Dennis killed himself with CPD Officer’s gun? What happened to Yahacov Dennis? Charleston Police Body Cam Footage

Help in calling the Charleston police department to request body cam footage to be released from the officers who responded to a 911 call from Yahacov Dennis (Thomas Dennis). Per social media posts, Dennis was shot in the back of the head and they are saying he killed himself. A proper investigation is requested.

A 22-year-old Eastern Illinois University student tragically died on Saturday at 200 W. Lincoln Ave., according to a statement from the Charleston Police Department (CPD) and EIU President Jay Gatrell.

The student, identified by Gatrell as Yahacov Dennis, a junior majoring in computer science, was the subject of a well-being check when CPD officers were dispatched to the scene.

During the incident, described by the department as a “rapidly evolving event,” Dennis reportedly gained possession of an officer’s firearm and fired it at himself. The exact sequence of events and timeline remain unclear.

The Charleston Fire Department EMS transported Dennis to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. However, specific details regarding the timeline have not been disclosed.

The incident occurred near an Amoco gas station at the listed address. At this time, body camera footage has not been released, as the Charleston Police Department continues its investigation in collaboration with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Zone 5. All inquiries regarding the case are being directed to DCI Zone 5.

On Saturday night, friends and classmates held a vigil for Dennis at Lawson Hall on Eastern Illinois University’s campus to honor his memory.

In a Sunday morning statement, Gatrell announced that the university would not provide further comments or details about the incident while the investigation is ongoing. He also shared resources for students and staff, including EIU’s counseling clinic, the dean of students office, the anonymous mental health app Togetherall, and the National Suicide Crisis hotline, available by calling or texting 988.