Jerry LaShawn Snipes Jr., a 17-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost his life on October 6, 2021. Jerry was a senior at Manual High School, where he was known for his love of math, football, and rap music. He was described as a vibrant young man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and he had a passion for rapping and listening to rap music.
On the morning of October 6, 2021, Jerry was shot ten times in the 2800 block of Linn Street in south Peoria. The incident occurred at approximately 5:16 am, and he was pronounced dead shortly after at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. The investigation revealed that Jerry was shot by two different shooters, one of whom fired the final shot with a shotgun.
The case quickly led to the arrest of three individuals: Jeremy Moore Jr., 21, Gary Irby III, 21, and Tyranique White, 20. Jeremy Moore Jr. was identified as one of the shooters and was sentenced to 80 years in prison for his role in the murder. Prosecutors argued that Moore fired the final, fatal shot at Jerry. Gary Irby III, believed to be the other shooter, and Tyranique White, who allegedly drove Jerry to the location where he was killed, were also implicated in the crime. Both Moore and Irby were linked to the scene through ankle monitors they were wearing at the time of the shooting.
The prosecution presented evidence, including witness testimonies and camera footage, to establish the involvement of Moore, Irby, and White in the murder. The case against Irby and White is still pending, with trials expected to take place in the near future. The tragic death of Jerry LaShawn Snipes Jr. has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the Peoria community, highlighting the devastating consequences of gun violence.
