Nathan Michael Belcher, a 35-year-old white male from Eureka, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 20, 2022, in Peoria, Illinois. Nathan was born on November 25, 1986, in Peoria, Illinois, to Michael and Tracy Reese Belcher. He was residing with his grandparents, Ronald and Junie Cato, at the time of his death. Nathan was known for his love of family, video games, working on cars, fishing, and outdoor activities. He was deeply cherished by his family and friends, leaving behind a daughter, Amelia Belcher, and several siblings and nieces and nephews.
On the night of August 20, 2022, Nathan Belcher was found with multiple gunshot wounds in an alley in the 500 block of Spring Street in Peoria. The Peoria Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 10:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Nathan unresponsive and suffering from critical injuries. Despite efforts from police, Advanced Medical Transport, and Peoria Fire, Nathan could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:17 p.m. The Peoria County Coroner confirmed that Nathan's injuries were not compatible with life, marking his death as Peoria's 16th homicide of the year.
The investigation into Nathan Belcher's murder has been ongoing, with the Peoria Police Department actively seeking information from the public. As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made, and there are no identified suspects. Nathan's sister, Natalie Belcher, has been vocal about the lack of progress in the investigation, expressing frustration over the limited information provided by the authorities. She has taken it upon herself to seek answers, frequently visiting the scene of the crime and honoring her brother's memory with candles, pictures, and blue ribbons representing addiction recovery awareness, a cause close to Nathan's heart due to his struggles with addiction.
The community and Nathan's family continue to seek justice for his untimely death. The Peoria Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the homicide to contact detectives or CrimeStoppers. Nathan's death has left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones, who remember him for his joyful spirit and the strong bonds he shared with his family. The investigation remains open, with the hope that new leads will eventually bring closure to Nathan's family and justice for his tragic loss.
