Peoria Standard

May 13, 2025, Peoria, IL – A Peoria County Grand Jury has indicted Kaleeyah E. Sprinkle, aged 24, on charges of First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery following the abuse of her twin children. Her son succumbed to his injuries while her daughter survived.

On May 6, authorities responded to a call at the Peoria Fire Station on Hurlburt Street about an unresponsive child. The child was identified as Sprinkle's son and had been brought to the station by Sprinkle around 9:15 that morning. The boy displayed severe injuries and was taken to a hospital where it was determined he suffered from brain damage, lacerations to his spleen and liver, a pelvic fracture, and multiple scratches and abrasions. He passed away on May 9.

During their investigation, officers visited Sprinkle’s apartment and interviewed a witness who reported seeing a woman leaving with what appeared to be a lifeless baby. Accompanying her was a man carrying another baby wrapped in a blanket; they left in a white SUV heading toward the firehouse. Police later located this vehicle driven by Zaxton Johnson. In the backseat was another child covered with bruises and swelling identified as the boy’s twin sister.

Sprinkle told police that both children's injuries were accidental due to falling off a couch the previous day. However, medical professionals indicated that the trauma observed could not have resulted from such an incident.

Initially charged on May 8 with four counts of Aggravated Battery for injuries inflicted upon both children while her son was still alive, Sprinkle faced additional legal action when authorities filed for her detention. Although released under specific conditions including GPS monitoring initially, she was apprehended after the murder indictment warrant issuance. Authorities plan to file for her detention concerning this charge too. Meanwhile, Johnson faces charges related to Endangering the Life or Health of a Child and remains detained on an unrelated matter.

The investigation continues actively; anyone with information is urged to contact Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.