Ashley Tankersley, a 37-year-old woman from Elmwood, Illinois, was tragically found dead on August 22, 2021. Her body was discovered in a ditch near U.S. Route 150 and Philander Chase Lane, west of Kickapoo, Illinois. The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, confirmed that Ashley Tankersley had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her torso, leading to her immediate death. She was pronounced dead at 1:49 a.m. at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
The coroner's report indicated that she was unresponsive, not breathing, and had no pulse when she was transported to the hospital.
The investigation into Ashley Tankersley's death quickly identified a suspect, Joshua A. McGee, a 35-year-old man from Peoria. McGee was apprehended later that day at a rest area along Interstate 55 north of Springfield, Illinois. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Ashley Tankersley. McGee was also indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. His arraignment was scheduled for September 9, 2021.
The case against Joshua A. McGee has been a significant focus for local law enforcement and the judicial system. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police have been actively involved in the investigation. McGee's arrest and subsequent charges have brought some measure of progress in seeking justice for Ashley Tankersley. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with McGee being held in the Peoria County Jail as the case moves through the court system.
Ashley Tankersley's death has had a profound impact on her community, highlighting the tragic consequences of gun violence. The investigation and legal process continue to unfold, with the hope that justice will be served for Ashley Tankersley and her loved ones.
