Peoria County Coroner's Office

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.

04/06/2026

We were honored to help kick off National Donate Life Month with the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network today.

For decades, Gift of Hope has played a critical, compassionate role in connecting donor families, hospitals, and transplant teams across Illinois and the Midwest. Their mission saves lives every day through organ and tissue donation, and they continue to lead statewide efforts encouraging individuals to register as donors and share their wishes with loved ones. Their work has long been recognized for its impact in helping families find meaning in tragedy and giving recipients a second chance at life.

The Peoria County Coroner’s Office is proud to stand alongside our local law enforcement agencies, first responders, and community partners throughout Central Illinois as we support this lifesaving mission.

Today’s program included several powerful speakers from Gift of Hope, including a family member who shared her daughter’s story (a donation that went on to save four other lives). Stories like hers remind us why this work matters and how one person’s choice can bring hope to so many others.

04/01/2026

*****************************UPDATE****************************

Preliminary autopsy findings of the body found on March 31, 2026, are pending additional studies and investigation. This includes toxicology, DNA analysis, and anthropological examination.

Through collaboration with the Peoria County Sheriff's Office, and a missing person report published in September 2025, the Peoria County Coroner's Office determined a presumptive positive identification of Jason Bloom, a 44-year-old male of Happ Avenue, Peoria.

Despite the condition of Bloom's body, fortunately, our office examined a distinguishable tattoo visible on his right forearm, which was corroborated by his family. While tattoos are mostly unique to the individual, it is necessary to pursue DNA testing and anthropological examination. This release will be updated at a later time once all pending studies are completed.

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In reference and addition to the release on behalf of the Peoria County Sheriff's Office

Autopsy is scheduled for today.

We have conducted a very thorough external examination on the decedent and will move forward with autopsy today. That will include full body X-rays, including dental X-rays. Our goal is two part: one is to try to ascertain a cause of death, and the second is identification. Surprisingly, the decedent does have a few discernible features that would be unique to the individual, and we may be able to make an identification from that information. We will also be in contact with a forensic anthropologist for further examination following the autopsy.

We fully understand the importance of identification and a public notification as soon as possible. It does not escape me the anguish that families are feeling at this moment, awaiting a possible notification. We will be working quickly, yet as diligently as possible to get this done. This information will be updated.

On today’s date at approximately 4:45 PM, deputies responded to a report of found skeletal remains in a wooded area in the 1500 block of S. Crest Drive in Peoria, Illinois.

Upon arrival, deputies located unidentified skeletal remains. The scene has been secured, and the remains will be turned over to the Peoria County Coroner’s Office for examination and identification.

This investigation remains ongoing. There is no additional information available at this time. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

03/25/2026

PEORIA COUNTY CORONER CASE Case #: PE-26-0830
BODY FOUND
PEORIA, IL

Peoria- On March 24, 2026, at 4:47 pm, the Peoria County Coroner's office was requested to respond to 2709 NE Adams regarding a deceased person found in a building.

Unfortunately, the body could not be identified at the time due to prolonged environmental exposure. There were no evident or apparent signs of trauma.

On further exam, it was assessed that the decedent had very recognizable tattoos and surgical scars. Investigators from our office conducted a vast search for missing persons in this area and discovered a male matching our findings, including clothing and shoes.

The male, 50-year-old Tario L. Fuller, was positively identified through collaboration with his family, medical records, and autopsy findings.

Preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive, and further studies are pending.