OTTAWA – The body that was found in the Illinois River on September 4th has been identified. The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thursday that the remains were of 25-year-old Jelani Day. Forensic dental identification and DNA testing and comparison were used in the investigation. The Bloomington Police Department, Peru Police Department, LaSalle County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s Office, LaSalle County State’s Attorney Office, LaSalle Police Department, the FBI and the Illinois State Police are all continuing to look into the matter, and the cause of death has yet to be determined. Day was reported missing August 25th, and his vehicle was discovered in Peru near the YMCA. On September 4 a body was recovered floating near the south bank of the Illinois River approximately ¼ mile east of the Illinois Rt. 251 Bridge.
