An 18-year-old was found guilty Friday in Peoria County of the August 2023 murder of his mother.
According to State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, Chief Judge Katherine Gorman found Avion Tapia guilty of second-degree murder in the strangulation death of Vanessa Tucker, following a two-day bench trial.
During the trial, Hoos said Tapia admitted to strangling his mother, but claimed it was in self-defense. Tucker had previously pleaded guilty to domestic violence against Tapia, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] had guardianship of Tapia, though he sometimes stayed at his mother’s apartment.
Originally, the prosecution filed first-degree murder charges because of statements to police and findings from Tucker’s autopsy. Hoos said a forensic pathologist testified that Tucker had injuries indicating pressure had been applied to her mouth and nose, as well as her neck.
Gorman’s ruling indicated she thought Tapia believed he needed to use deadly force to defend himself, but the belief was unreasonable given the circumstances.
Tapia faces a lesser sentencing range under the second-degree murder conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4.
