Peoria Police Department

New Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon affirmed his dedication to the city and commitment to transparency and accountability in taking his oath of office Friday at City Hall.

Coroner Jamie Harwood said Ashley N. Stenson, 42, of Atlanta, Ga., was pronounced dead at 7:03 p.m. Friday at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Stenson died of multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly, according to the autopsy.

A female victim and a male suspect are dead after Peoria Police officers exchanged fire with a gunman who allegedly shot the woman Friday night near Hamilton and Madison streets in Downtown Peoria.

According to a news release from the Peoria Police Department, Christopher R. Richerson, 52, was found in the garage of a residence in the 1800 block of Kickapoo Creek Road.

It's not clear if any of the three shooting incidents within a two-hour timespan Sunday evening are related. Police are urging the public to come forward with information, photos and video related to any of the incidents.

Retiring Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria believes the department is in a better place than when he took the job five years ago.

A leadership change is coming for the Peoria Police Department. Chief Eric Echevarria informed the city he will retire as of May 15, after serving nearly five years in the role. Assistant Chief Brad Dixon has been chosen as the next chief.

Coroner Jamie Harwood said Marnelius Alexander, 23, of Peoria, was pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m. Thursday. Harwood said Alexander died of a gunshot wound to the chest and died instantly.

The incident is Peoria's first fatal shooting of 2026.

In the resumption of a regular interview series, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali discusses the desire to see more activity return to downtown, as well as ongoing efforts aimed at business development, crime reduction and addressing the city’s housing needs.