Man convicted in 2023 Peoria shooting that led to fatal car crash

Lina Portman7 days ago

0 1 minute read

A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with an incident in October 2023 at a party in which he triggered a confused panic that led to the death of a 24-year-old.

Demetrius D. Drummond was convicted in April of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and reckless discharge of a firearm after allegedly firing his weapon into the air during a party in the 200 block of East Thrush Avenue in Peoria on October 1. On December 28, 2023, several people fled the scene.

Amid the chaos, 24-year-old Kobe Johnson was struck by a car and killed. The nature of Johnson's death caused conflict between Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood and the Peoria Police Department, who each had different interpretations of what happened.

More: Peoria police said the man's unfortunate death was not a homicide. The coroner disagrees

Harwood ruled Johnson's death a homicide, citing Drummond firing the gun into the air causing the commotion. Police ruled his death a simple accident, saying the driver of the vehicle that struck Johnson was fleeing gunfire and did not intend to kill him.

A two-day trial, presided over by Peoria County Circuit Judge Paul Gilfillan, led to Drummond being convicted in late April.

At sentencing Wednesday, Johnson's mother spoke directly to Drummond, saying she understood he did not intend to kill her son. However, she said she hoped Kobe would be on her mind every day of her 15-year sentence.

Assistant State's Attorney Deb Shelby was harsher, saying Drummond made poor choices that led to Johnson's death and that he should receive the maximum sentence under the law.

Gilfillan gave Drummond nine years for possession, with an additional six years to be served consecutively for weapons discharge.

The person who ran Johnson over has not been charged with any crime.

More: Peoria Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Lina Portman

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