# Fatal shooting of SIU professor Kofi Akamani

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-shooting-of-siu-professor-kofi-akamani
> Updated: 2026-09-25T10:01:21.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Dr. Kofi Akamani, a 48-year-old Ghanaian professor at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, was fatally shot on September 19, 2026, in Jackson County, Illinois. Reports indicate he was shot multiple times while sitting in his car in a driveway near Lake Road.

Authorities arrested Akamani’s wife, 35-year-old Betty Akamani, in connection with the shooting. She faces charges including two counts of felony first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child. The couple had reportedly been separated for approximately two years and were in the process of divorcing. Betty Akamani was denied release following a court appearance.

In the aftermath of the incident, the SIU Forestry Department held a vigil to honor Dr. Akamani’s legacy. Additionally, the SIU Foundation established the ‘Dr. Kofi Akamani Memorial Student Fund’ to support students specializing in forestry and natural resources.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Professor Kofi Akamani shot dead, wife charged with murder

Betty Akamani faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of her husband, SIU professor Dr. Kofi Akamani. A memorial fund has been established in his honor.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/professor-kofi-akamani-shot-dead-wife-charged-with-murder

### 2026-09-21: Ghanaian professor Kofi Akamani shot dead in Illinois; wife arrested

Ghanaian professor Dr. Kofi Akamani was fatally shot in Illinois; his wife, Betty Akamani, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the incident.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/professor-kofi-akamani-shot-dead-in-illinois-wife-arrested

---
Cite as: Fatal shooting of SIU professor Kofi Akamani. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-shooting-of-siu-professor-kofi-akamani