The Urbana Police Department responded to a call alerting them of a stabbing on the morning of March 30 on the 1000 block of Smith Road. The victim, 51-year-old Robert Cavette, was found with a life-threatening stab wound to the chest and transported to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was later pronounced deceased.

According to UPD, new investigation regarding the incident reveals that Cavette was stabbed during a domestic dispute with a 38-year-old woman who had previously taken out a Champaign County order of protection against him for domestic violence issues.

The incident reportedly took place in the woman’s apartment. In a statement, UPD said “the woman involved in this dispute reportedly stabbed Cavette while he was choking her, thus justifying the stabbing as she was in fear for her life.”

According to UPD, there were no witnesses to the incident. The woman involved in the altercation immediately called 911 and cooperated with all investigations, providing a statement on the event to police.

The two-month-long investigation by UPD has determined that this stabbing likely took place in self-defense. The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office has decided not to proceed with any charges against the woman. 

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