Peoria Standard

July 15, 2024, Peoria, IL – Today, Rev Blakes, 43, was sentenced to 52 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for murdering Michael Davis, 32, in June 2022 in front of his family. On April 5, 2024, Blakes was found guilty by a Peoria County jury of First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.

On the day of the murder, Davis enjoyed a summer BBQ with family when Blakes showed up on a motorized bike and began arguing with him over money. As the argument escalated, Blakes pulled out a gun and shot Davis. As Davis lay on the ground, Blakes shot him three more times. Blakes then fled and threw the gun in a creek nearby.