Peoria Standard

June 10, 2025, Peoria, IL—The Peoria County Grand Jury has indicted Amarii A. Smith-Holley and Kendal E. Patterson after their cases were transferred to adult court under the RICO statute. The charges relate to their involvement with a street gang known as the “Snakes.” A judge approved the transfer of Smith-Holley's case on May 29 and Patterson's on May 30.

Smith-Holley, aged 17, faces additional charges including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Discharge of a Machine Gun, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Filing a False Police Report, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm.

Patterson was a minor when the offenses occurred but is now 18 years old. He is charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Last October, four adults were indicted by the Peoria County Grand Jury along with six juveniles, including Smith-Holley and Patterson. Petitions were filed to move these juvenile cases to adult court. The investigation linked them to at least three murders and 12 shootings. Police recovered 18 guns during the investigation; four had been modified into fully automatic weapons using "switches." Before approving transfers to adult court, several factors are considered such as the juvenile's background and past rehabilitative services received.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.