Peoria Tragedy: One Dead, One Injured in Early Morning Shooting; 20-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

Peoria Tragedy: One Dead, One Injured in Early Morning Shooting; 20-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

PEORIA, IL — June 21, 2025 — A heartbreaking act of gun violence has once again shaken the city of Peoria, as authorities confirm that one man is dead and another injured following a shooting early Friday morning. The Peoria Police Department has taken a 20-year-old man into custody in connection with the incident, bringing a measure of hope for justice amid sorrow and disbelief.

According to Peoria Police, officers responded to reports of shots fired near the 800 block of West McBean Street at approximately 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One man, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a 22-year-old male, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition following emergency treatment.

Detectives swiftly launched an investigation and, after gathering witness statements and reviewing nearby surveillance footage, identified a 20-year-old suspect who was later apprehended without incident. As of Saturday morning, the suspect remains in custody at the Peoria County Jail, and formal charges are expected to be filed soon. The suspect’s name has not been released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has left a family grieving and our community shaken,” said Police Chief Eric Echevarria. “Gun violence like this affects not just the victims, but their families, friends, neighbors, and all of Peoria. We are committed to ensuring justice is served and will continue our work to prevent these tragedies from happening.”

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, though officials have indicated that the suspect and the victims may have been acquainted. The police are not currently seeking additional suspects but are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

The homicide marks yet another troubling incident in what has been a violent stretch for Peoria in recent months. Community leaders and residents are calling for renewed efforts to address gun violence, particularly among youth and young adults.

“We’ve lost too many lives, too many futures,” said City Councilwoman Denise Jackson, who represents the district where the shooting occurred. “It’s time to double down on intervention programs, invest in mental health resources, and work closely with our schools and community organizations. We need to stop this cycle before more families are left to mourn.”

In response to the violence, local faith leaders are organizing a vigil and peace walk for Sunday evening in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. The event will serve as both a tribute to the victims and a call for unity and peace.

The identity of the deceased is expected to be released by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office following autopsy results and notification of next of kin. In the meantime, loved ones have already begun expressing their grief on social media, describing the victim as a “bright soul” and a “loving friend” whose life ended far too soon.

“You didn’t deserve this,” wrote one post. “We’ll carry your name, your laugh, and your love with us forever.”

The Peoria Police Department continues to urge anyone with information to call Detectives at (309) 673-4521 or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers at (309) 673-9000.

As the community mourns, the hope remains that meaningful solutions can rise from tragedy—and that justice, healing, and peace will follow in the wake of this devastating loss.