Self-defense claimed in fatal Bloomington shooting, accused killer’s whereabouts still not known

McLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - Michael Bakana is still on the run on as the first day of his trial for murder adjourns for the day..

He is on trial for the January 2021 shooting at Daddio’s bar in Downtown Bloomington that left one woman dead and another injured.

Silence fell in the courtroom as the 14-minute video clip of the surveillance video showed the exact moments Michael Bakana allegedly shot both Mirah Petracca and Bibiana Cornejo.

He posted $200,000 bail in October and had reportedly been compliant with all of his terms up until his GPS ankle monitor was cut off Monday before he was scheduled to show up for court.

In opening statements, Bakana’s attorneys say the shooting was a matter of two-against-one self-defense and that he was the victim of racial hate speech and physical assault in an argument with the two women before he pulled out his gun.

The prosecution said this was a very straightforward case.

Both women were trying to leave the argument and the state claims Bakana pulled out a gun, firing 10 shots only after one of the women pushed him away.

Two bullets hit Mariah Petracca in her back, killing her.

The other woman was left permanently disfigured. She also took the stand showing the jurors her scars.

As the trial goes on, the search for the defendant continues.

Police say Bakana is a black man and speaks with a heavy foreign accent.

He’s 5 feet, 8 inches and weighs 145 pounds, has short black hair and brown eyes.

Bakana is considered armed and dangerous and police warn not to approach him.

Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911.

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