Peoria Standard

June 27, 2024, Peoria, IL – Demetrius D. Drummond, 35, was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following his conviction in April for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm. The incident occurred just before 1 am on October 28, 2023, when Drummond was at a party in the 200 block of East Thrush Avenue in the East Bluff. After an argument with another attendee, Drummond fired his gun into the air, causing panic among those present. During the ensuing chaos, 24-year-old Kobe Johnson was struck and killed by a car.

At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Johnson’s mother addressed Drummond directly. She stated that she knew he never intended for this tragedy to happen but expressed her wish that he think of Johnson every day he is in prison. Assistant State’s Attorney Deb Shelby argued that Drummond's actions led to severe consequences and requested the maximum punishment allowed by law.

Judge Paul Gilfillan sentenced Drummond to nine years for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and six years for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm. These sentences are to be served consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 15 years.

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