A Ghanaian lecturer at Southern Illinois University (SIU) has been shot dead in Illinois, United States.

Kofi Akamani, 48, was shot on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at a home on Anthony Drive in southern Illinois, between Murphysboro and Carbondale.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a shooting report at about 5 p.m.

Akamani was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

Police arrested his 35-year-old wife, Betty Akamani, in connection with the shooting. She is expected to appear in court on Monday, September 21, at 1 p.m., where she will face two counts of first-degree murder, according to Jackson County State’s Attorney Marsha Cascio-Hale.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Dr Akamani was a professor in SIU Carbondale’s Department of Forestry, where he taught forest recreation and conservation social science.

Jeff Harmon, SIU’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, expressed condolences to Akamani’s family, friends, colleagues and students.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the tragic passing of one of our faculty members, Dr. Kofi Akamani. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time.”

The Jackson County Ambulance Service, Jackson County Coroner’s Office and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation.

Officials said no further information would be released at this time.