Bridget Michelle Ross, a 35-year-old woman from Peoria, Illinois, tragically passed away on January 1, 2022. Bridget, who was born on September 16, 1986, was a beloved mother and daughter, known for her spunky personality and love for her children. She was pronounced dead at OSF St. Francis Medical Center at 4:29 a.m. after being found unresponsive and not breathing due to a gunshot wound to her upper body. The autopsy revealed that she likely died instantly from the injury.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:56 a.m. on January 1, 2022, when Peoria Police, AMT, and Peoria Fire responded to a report of a shooting at 517 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered both Bridget and an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, Bridget could not be revived. The male victim's condition was not detailed in the reports.
Bridget Michelle Ross was identified as the second homicide victim in Peoria for the year 2022. The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, confirmed her identity and the cause of death. The investigation into her death revealed that she had sustained a single gunshot wound to her upper body, which was fatal.
The police investigation into Bridget's death is ongoing. Authorities have identified a suspect, 27-year-old Robert White, who is believed to be involved in both Bridget's death and another homicide that occurred earlier on the same day. Daniela T. Jackson, a 33-year-old woman, was also shot and killed at her residence on SW Adams Street, just hours before Bridget's death. Robert White is considered armed and dangerous, and police have urged the public not to approach him but to contact law enforcement immediately if he is seen.
As of the latest updates, Robert White remains at large, and the Peoria Police Department continues to search for him in connection with the homicides of Bridget Michelle Ross and Daniela T. Jackson. The community has been urged to provide any information that might assist in apprehending the suspect and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
