48 year old US-based Ghanaian lecturer Dr. Kofi Akamani has been shot dêad in Illinois and his wife 35 year old Betty Akamani has been arrested. Authorities state that Betty Akamani allegedly shot her husband in the front yard of their home. The exact circumstances and motive surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation by local authorities.
Dr. Kofi Akamani, a 48-year-old US-based Ghanaian professor at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, was shót and kìlled on Saturday evening, September 19, 2026, at his home in Jackson County, Illinois.
His wife, 35-year-old Betty Akamani, was arrested at the scene and faces two counts of first-degree murder.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of an active shooting around 5:00 PM at a residence on Anthony Drive, located off Lake Road between Murphysboro and Carbondale. Dr. Akamani was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he later died from his injuries.
Betty Akamani was scheduled to make her first court appearance today, Monday, September 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM, where prosecutors intended to request her formal detention. Her preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 6, 2026.
Dr. Akamani was a highly respected educator and researcher who had been with SIU Carbondale for 15 years. He served as a professor of Forest Recreation and Conservation Social Science within the Department of Forestry.
He also served as the director of the agricultural sciences doctoral program and the director of graduate studies in forestry.
His academic work focused significantly on:
Natural resource management and governance of forests, water, and agricultural landscapes.
Climate change resilience and how rural communities adapt to environmental changes.Contributing as an author to major international environmental assessments and the Fifth National Climate Assessment.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale issued a statement expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of Dr. Akamani, extending deep condolences to his family, colleagues, and students.
The university has mobilized mental health resources, offering dedicated counseling services to affected students through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in the Agriculture Building.