Leigh C. Herring, a 39-year-old white male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically passed away on December 30, 2020. Leigh was found dead in his home with a single gunshot wound to the head. The initial autopsy confirmed that he had no other injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Leigh was a veteran who served in the Illinois Army National Guard and was injured during his deployment in Afghanistan in 2009. He was known for his dedication to his family and his work, having been employed by Caterpillar Inc. and later as a security guard.
The investigation into Leigh's death led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male suspect. The juvenile was taken into custody by Peoria police and charged with first-degree murder. Due to the suspect's age, further details about him have been withheld. The Peoria County State's Attorney considered the possibility of charging the teen as an adult, given the severity of the crime. The incident occurred at Leigh's residence on West Thames Drive, where police responded to a report of trouble between a man and a woman. Upon arrival, they discovered Leigh with a fatal gunshot wound.
Leigh's death marked the 14th homicide in Peoria for the year 2020. The community expressed shock and sorrow over the loss, remembering Leigh as a gentle and caring individual who was always willing to help others. Friends and colleagues spoke highly of his character, emphasizing his calm demeanor and dedication to his loved ones. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continued, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
