Man Charged with Killing 10 Year Old

October 3, 2024, Peoria, IL- Today, Maurice D. Sargent, 33, was charged with First Degree Murder and Armed Habitual Criminal for a shooting in South Peoria Sunday that claimed the life of an innocent 10-year-old boy. The State filed a Petition to Detain Sargent, which will be heard by a judge tomorrow. He will remain in custody until then.

Around 7:30 pm Sunday, police responded to the 600 block of W. Romeo B. Garret on a two-round Shot Spotter alert. Upon arrival, officers found a child, identified as Torres L. Johnson, II., lying in the grass with a gunshot wound to his chest. Torres was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to witnesses, the shooting stemmed from a foiled cannabis deal and attempted robbery between Sargent, who was identified as the shooter, and two other juveniles. Torres was not involved in the drug deal and was instead simply walking nearby when he was struck by Sargent's errant bullet.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information regarding this incident, please 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," Jodi M. Hoos, Peoria County State's Attorney.

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