© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Godmother Raising Funeral Funds For 12-Year-Old Peorian Killed By Gunshot

Deshawnteris Edwards
Courtesy Tori Ware / GoFundMe
Deshawnteris Edwards

Family and friends of 12-year-old Deshawnteris Edwards are raising money for funeral expenses after he died last week of a gunshot wound.

The sociable youth was known as "Bubba" to those who loved him. Tori Ware is Edwards' godmother. She was involved in his care since he was 3 months old.

"He was a good kid. He was funny. Loved to talk. He didn't care what he talked about, as long as he was talking about something," said Ware.

Ware said Edwards loved playing games on his PlayStation 4 — and talking about them to anyone who would listen. Some of his favorites were Fortnite and Naruto. Edwards also love to play football, cooking, and baking.

A 15-year-old boy and Karon Schuch, 34, were arrested in connection with Edwards' death in the 3000 block of W. Seibold last Wednesday. Schuch was released Monday after paying bond, and given a notice to appear in court on Oct. 20. She was arrested for obstructing justice and endangering the health or life of a child, but hasn't yet been formally charged.

The teen remains in the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center for reckless discharge of a firearm, reckless conduct, and unlawful possession of a firearm under age 21.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said the case was under investigation as a homicide, though no formal murder charges are filed. Edwards died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Ware hopes to raise $1,500 for Edwards' funeral expenses via a GoFundMe. She's about halfway to that goal.

"I'm going to try my best to do my part," she said. "He was really close to me and my family."

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.