Peoria Standard

Today in Peoria, Illinois, Maurice D. Sargent, 33, faced charges of First Degree Murder and Armed Habitual Criminal for a shooting that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy. The incident occurred on Sunday in South Peoria. A Petition to Detain Sargent has been filed by the State and will be reviewed by a judge tomorrow. Until then, Sargent remains in custody.

The police responded to a Shot Spotter alert around 7:30 pm on Sunday at the 600 block of W. Romeo B. Garret. Upon arrival, they discovered Torres L. Johnson II with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses indicated that the shooting was linked to a failed cannabis deal and attempted robbery involving Sargent and two other juveniles. Torres was not part of this transaction; he was merely passing by when he was hit by an errant bullet fired by Sargent.

The investigation is still underway, and authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.

“Bullets don’t have names on them. When you deal drugs, carry a gun, and shoot it, this is the end result – the killing of an innocent 10-year-old boy. My office will do everything we can to get justice for Torres and his family,” stated Jodi M. Hoos, Peoria County State’s Attorney.