Local News

Peoria County Sheriff's Office investigating shooting that left one dead, one hospitalized

WCBU | By Eric Stock

Published January 28, 2026 at 9:28 AM CST

Updated January 29, 2026 at 10:54 AM CST

A police car's lights, which are on. The text "WCBU Police and Fire" are laid on top of that photo.

Updated: January 29, 2026 at 10:54 AM CST

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood has identified the man who died in the incident as Davelle Wilder, 44. In a social media post Wednesday night, Harwood said autopsy results show Wilder suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and died instantly. The shooting remains under investigation.

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office said they are looking for suspects in a fatal shooting west of Peoria early Wednesday morning.

According to a news release from Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins, deputies were called to the 3400 block of Harmon Highway for a report that two people had been shot.

Watkins said an adult male was found with at least one gunshot wound. He died at a Peoria hospital. A woman with a gunshot wound to her leg was transported to the hospital with injuries not considered life threatening.

Watkins said the suspects fled the scene prior to police arriving.

“No suspects are currently in custody. At this stage of the investigation, detectives believe this was an isolated incident,” Watkins said.

The name of the man who died has not been released.

Watkins said anyone with information on the case should contact detective JR Kester at 309-657-7072 or Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000. Tips can also be submitted through the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.