A late-night shooting in Peoria has left one man dead and another injured, as authorities work to piece together what led to the violence. The incident, which occurred at a gas station on the city’s south side, has shaken the local community and prompted an active police investigation.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:57 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to the 1000 block of Western Avenue after receiving a ShotSpotter alert indicating that a gun had been fired. While officers were en route, additional information came in reporting that two individuals had been shot.
When officers arrived, they discovered a 23-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest at a nearby gas station. A second victim, a 19-year-old male, was found outside a nearby auto parts store with a gunshot wound to the leg. Emergency responders immediately began administering life-saving measures at the scene.
Despite their efforts, the 23-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Peoria County Coroner’s Office later identified him as Marnelius Alexander, 23, of Peoria. Officials confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at approximately 11:45 p.m.
The second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities stated that his injuries were not considered life-threatening, and he is expected to recover. No further details about his condition have been released at this time.
Investigators with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit remain actively involved in the case. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward as the community continues to seek answers following the tragic loss.