Peoria Standard

On April 4, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois, Peoria County Chief Judge Katherine Gorman delivered a verdict in the case of 18-year-old Avion L. Tapia. Tapia was found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the strangulation death of his mother, Vanessa Tucker, which occurred in August 2023.

The verdict followed a two-day bench trial during which Tapia admitted to strangling his mother during an argument but claimed self-defense. The defense presented evidence of a volatile relationship between Tapia and his mother, marked by instances of abuse and threats against Tapia's life. Notably, Tucker had previously been found guilty of domestic violence against Tapia, and by September 2019, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had been appointed as Tapia's guardian. Despite this arrangement, Tapia occasionally resided at his mother's apartment.

The prosecution advanced charges of first-degree murder, supported by Tapia's statements to police and autopsy findings. During the trial, a forensic pathologist presented testimony indicating that it would have required four to five minutes of continuous, forceful pressure to cause Tucker's death, with potential for more time if there was a struggle. Tucker's injuries included facial and oral hemorrhages, as well as petechiae on her inner eyelids and mouth, suggesting both strangulation and smothering.

Judge Gorman acknowledged that Tapia may have believed he needed to defend himself but deemed the belief unreasonable. As a result, Tapia was convicted of second-degree murder.

At the time of the incident, Tapia was 17 years old, prompting an automatic transfer of the case to adult felony court. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 4.