A Peoria County jury has returned guilty verdicts in the murder trial of a Peoria man who shot another man during a 2023 dice game in the city’s North Valley.
Ronnie Simmons, 23, was convicted of the first-degree murder of Demetrious Davis, as well as aggravated battery with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Testimony during the four-day trial indicated the two men were among the participants in the dice game. As Simmons continued to lose money, he left repeatedly to get additional funds to keep playing. On his last return, he attempted to rob Davis and a second victim as they prepared to leave.
Simmons shot Davis, and the second victim was shot as he attempted to disarm the shooter. Both injured men were taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle. Davis died from his gunshot wound while the other victim survived.
Simmons fled the scene on foot, but was taken into custody a short time later at a nearby residence.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1.
