Peoria County Coroner's Office

07/23/2026

In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The 17-year-old female, Isis Horn, of North Central Avenue, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in critical condition. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and trauma care, sadly, the teen was pronounced deceased at OSF in the Peds ICU at 5:05am this morning.

Autopsy on Horn is scheduled for Friday. This release will be updated.

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Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding
PPD Incident #26-51027

(PEORIA, IL) On Thursday, July 23, 2026, at approximately 1:18 a.m., a Peoria Police Patrol officer initiated a traffic stop near Jefferson Street and Abington Street. The vehicle pulled over, and an officer made contact with the driver at Abington Street and Monroe Street. During the stop, the vehicle fled from officers at a high rate of speed.

Approximately one minute later, officers located a two-vehicle traffic crash near Maryland Street and McClure Avenue. Officers confirmed that one of the vehicles involved in the crash was the same vehicle that had fled from the officer moments earlier.

The driver of the victim vehicle, an 18-year-old male, was located and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the victim vehicle, a 17-year-old female, sustained life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene immediately began lifesaving measures. The juvenile passenger was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

One occupant of the suspect vehicle was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot and remains at large.

This incident is under investigation by the Illinois State Police. Any additional information regarding the crash investigation will be released by the Illinois State Police.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Illinois State Police at (309) 693-5015 or email your tips to
[email protected]

07/15/2026

****************UPDATE****************
Autopsy findings on King demonstrate that he suffered ligature strangulation and asphyxiation by another. He was deceased prior to reportedly being placed into the freezer.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

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In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The male, 41-year-old David L. King, of E. Seneca PL, Peoria, was discovered in the residence, obviously deceased. King had assessed perpetrated injuries, leading to a homicide investigation by the Peoria Police Department and the Peoria County Coroner's Office. More information will be released following autopsy proceedings, which are pending.

07/08/2026

In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The male who was found in the water has been identified through tattoos and conclusive fingerprinting. Sadly, he has been identified as 45-year-old Damien Gulliford of Peoria.

Autopsy on Gulliford demonstrates that he suffered acute drowning, with no evidence of trauma or foul play.

How and where Gulliford entered the water remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Autopsy

Death Investigation
PPD Incident #26-46191

(PEORIA, IL) On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at approximately 9:14 a.m., officers with the Peoria Police Department, in conjunction with the Peoria Fire Department, responded to the 400 block of SW Water Street following a report of a body in the Illinois River near the shoreline.
Members of the Peoria Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to conduct the investigation.
The Peoria Fire Department recovered the body from the water, and the Peoria County Coroner's Office assumed custody. The cause and manner of death, as well as formal identification, will be determined by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, submit an anonymous tip through tip411, or contact Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.

06/03/2026

In reference to the release below on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The victim, 36-year-old Catherine Walker-Thomas, of W. Millman Street, Peoria, was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in critical condition. Despite aggressive interventions, sadly, Walker-Thomas was pronounced deceased at OSF in the trauma room at 10:56 pm.

Autopsy today demonstrates that Walker-Thomas suffered a stab wound that was inconsistent with life, and she likely died moments following the incident.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Homicide Arrest
PPD Incident #26- 35181

(PEORIA, IL) On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at approximately 10:12 p.m., officers with the Peoria Police Department responded to the 700 block of N. Hightower Street after receiving a hang-up 911 call. While officers were en route, additional information was received regarding a disturbance at the location.
When officers arrived, they located a 36-year-old female at the residence suffering from an apparent stab wound. Officers and Peoria Fire personnel immediately rendered emergency medical aid. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The identity of the victim, along with the official cause and manner of death, will be released by the Peoria County Coroner's Office.
Members of the Peoria Police Department's Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and Crime Scene Unit (CSU) responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.
During the course of this investigation, detectives identified 31-year-old Keonta J. Williams as the suspect.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Williams was taken into custody by investigators and arrested for First Degree Murder. She was subsequently transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Anyone with information regarding any violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **

05/11/2026

In reference to the release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department.

The male described in the release, 41-year-old Cortez White of Saint Louis, MO, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, he was pronounced deceased in surgery at 8:26pm.

Autopsy on White demonstrates that he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and had injuries that were inconsistent with life.

This case remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.

Officer Involved Shooting
PPD Incident #26- 27463

(PEORIA, IL) On Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 6:36 p.m., an officer with the Peoria Police Department responded to the 500 block of Hamilton Blvd. regarding a reported domestic disturbance involving an adult male and an adult female.
During the incident, the male subject allegedly shot the female victim. The responding officer then discharged their weapon and struck the male subject. The officer was not injured during this incident.
Both the male subject and the female victim were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and were later pronounced deceased.
The identities of the female victim and male subject, along with the official cause and manner of death, will be released by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.
In accordance with protocol involving an officer-involved shooting, both shooting incidents will be investigated by the Illinois State Police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000 or Illinois State Police Zone 4 Investigations at (217) 782-4750.

05/11/2026

In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The female, 42-year-old Ashley N. Stenson, of Atlanta, GA, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and trauma care, she was sadly pronounced deceased at 7:03 pm in the trauma room.

Autopsy on Stenson demonstrates that she suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly.

This case remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.

Officer Involved Shooting
PPD Incident #26- 27463

(PEORIA, IL) On Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 6:36 p.m., an officer with the Peoria Police Department responded to the 500 block of Hamilton Blvd. regarding a reported domestic disturbance involving an adult male and an adult female.
During the incident, the male subject allegedly shot the female victim. The responding officer then discharged their weapon and struck the male subject. The officer was not injured during this incident.
Both the male subject and the female victim were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and were later pronounced deceased.
The identities of the female victim and male subject, along with the official cause and manner of death, will be released by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.
In accordance with protocol involving an officer-involved shooting, both shooting incidents will be investigated by the Illinois State Police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000 or Illinois State Police Zone 4 Investigations at (217) 782-4750.

04/27/2026

In reference to this incident reported by the Peoria Police Department:

At approximately 7:16 p.m., officers responded to Bradley Park (Case #26-23861) for another report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene with numerous individuals fleeing on foot and in vehicles, which delayed immediate access to the victim. Officers ultimately located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased.

The 17-year-old, Jarvis Allison, Jr., of West Millman Street, Peoria, was initially conscious following the shooting, but his condition unfortunately rapidly deteriorated. He was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in grave condition. Despite aggressive treatment and care, he was sadly pronounced deceased at OSF at 11:41 pm.

Autopsy on the youth demonstrates that he suffered a gunshot wound of the head and suffered injuries that were incompatible with life.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Multiple Shooting Incidents \Homicide
PPD Incident #26-23849, 26-23853, 26-23861

(PEORIA, IL) The Peoria Police Department is actively investigating multiple shooting incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and is urgently requesting the public’s assistance.

At approximately 5:37 p.m., officers responded to Stadium Park (Case #26-23849) on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located two juvenile victims, ages 16 and 17, both suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, and the other to the upper arm. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that one of the victims was in possession of a stolen firearm.

At approximately 6:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 6700 block of N. Mountello (Case #26-23853) for a separate report of shots fired. Responding officers located evidence that a vehicle and the front door of a residence had been struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported in this incident.

At approximately 7:16 p.m., officers responded to Bradley Park (Case #26-23861) for another report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene with numerous individuals fleeing on foot and in vehicles, which delayed immediate access to the victim. Officers ultimately located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased.

The identity of the deceased, as well as the official cause of death, will be determined by the Peoria County Coroner.

Preliminary investigation indicates that individuals attending an unrelated event at a park shelter observed two groups actively exchanging gunfire. A canvas of the area identified multiple locations within the park where shots were fired.

All incidents remain active and ongoing investigations.

The Peoria Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward immediately. If you witnessed any of these incidents, have knowledge of those involved, or possess photos, video, or other digital evidence, you are asked to contact Detective Scott Hulse at (309) 494-8391. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via tip411 or through Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.

04/17/2026

In reference to the release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The male, 23-year-old, Marnelius Alexander, of West Marquette Street, Peoria, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene at 11:45 pm by the Peoria County Coroner.

Autopsy on Alexander demonstrates that he suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and died instantly.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Homicide
PPD Incident #26-20774

(PEORIA, IL) On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 10:57 p.m., officers with the Peoria Police Department were dispatched to the 1000 block of Western Avenue in response to a ShotSpotter alert indicating a single round had been fired.
While en route, officers were advised that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds. A 23-year-old male was located at a nearby gas station with a gunshot wound to the chest. A second victim, a 19-year-old male, was located outside a nearby AutoZone store with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures; however, the 23-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 19-year-old male was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The identity of the deceased victim and cause of death will be released by the Peoria County Coroner.
Members of the Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Division responded and initiated an investigation.
This remains an active investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or any violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, submit anonymous tips via tip411, or contact Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.

04/13/2026

PEORIA COUNTY CASE #: PE-26-0996
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY MOTOR VEHICLE
DATE OF INCIDENT: APRIL 10, 2026

On April 10, 2026, at approximately 5:45 am, EMS and the Illinois State Police were called to the Murray Baker bridge on I-74 in the westbound lanes for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.

The pedestrian, 45-year-old Mark Thompson, of Kewanee, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse. Despite intervention, he was unfortunately pronounced deceased at 7:10 am in the trauma room.

Autopsy on Thompson demonstrated that he suffered detrimental blunt force trauma injuries that were incompatible with life, and he likely died instantly.

Per Illinois State statute, toxicology is pending.

04/06/2026

PEORIA COUNTY CASE -26-0929
EAST PEORIA, IL
PEDESTRIAN-VS- MOTOR VEHICLE

On April 2, 2026, at approximately 8:05 pm, police, fire, and EMS were called to East Peoria on Rt 116 near the Paradice Casino for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.

The pedestrian, 42-year-old Ryan G. Smith, of Southwest Adams Street, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in unresponsive and in critical condition.

Despite aggressive care and treatment, sadly, Smith was pronounced deceased on April 3rd, 2026, at 4:42 pm.

Smith unfortunately suffered multiple and severe blunt force trauma injuries due to being struck by the vehicle. Toxicology testing is pending per the Illinois State Statute.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the East Peoria Police Department.