A Peoria man was found guilty Thursday of a fatal hit-and-run accident from 2023.
According to Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, 41-year-old John Timothy Jr. was convicted by jury of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving a death. The charges were in connection with the hit-and-run death of Akeem Alexander, 28, in South Peoria.
On Aug. 28, 2023, Peoria police received a call from a Land Rover’s detection service saying it was involved in a crash in the 1900 block of West Howett. The alert included the vehicle’s license plate and registration, identifying it as Timothy’s car. Officers found Alexander lying in the road, unresponsive, with a damaged bicycle nearby. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police did not find the Land Rover at the scene, but found some parts, including a Land Rover logo, scattered in the road.
Shortly after, the state’s attorney said officers located the car on Antoinette Street with damage to the front end, including a smashed hood, broken grill, fluid leaks and paint on the front bumper.
Hoos said Timothy later claimed his vehicle was stolen, but surveillance footage showed Alexander riding his bike through the intersection when Timothy ran a red light at high speed and collided with the cyclist. Officials said the footage showed Timothy drive off without stopping.
A sentencing hearing for the case is scheduled for Sept. 17.
