Rodger Browder, a 21-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, was tragically killed on May 21, 2022. The incident occurred in the 1500 block of North Bigelow Street, near Richmond Avenue. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 12:30 p.m. and found Browder unresponsive in a parked vehicle with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 1 p.m. This marked Peoria's ninth homicide of 2022.
The investigation led to the arrest of 34-year-old Stephen J. Coaxum, who was charged with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Coaxum was identified as a suspect through the efforts of the Peoria Police Department's Special Investigation Division. He was arrested on June 22, 2022, and transported to the Peoria County Jail. Following his arrest, a search warrant executed near Lavalle Court and Marengo Drive resulted in the recovery of several firearms.
Coaxum, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faced two counts of first-degree murder. His bond was set at $2 million, and his trial was scheduled to begin on October 3, 2022. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Rodger Browder's death has had a significant impact on the Peoria community, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety. The case continues to be a focal point for local law enforcement as they work to bring justice for Browder and his family.
