Robert Gilliam Jr., a 33-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on November 2, 2020, in Peoria, Illinois. The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. while he was driving on North Knoxville Avenue. Reports indicate that multiple shots were fired, causing his vehicle to veer off the road. He was the sole occupant of the car and suffered a probable gunshot wound. Despite receiving emergency medical care and being transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Robert Gilliam Jr. was pronounced brain-dead shortly before 2 p.m. the following day.
The Peoria Police Department and the Peoria County Coroner's Office have been investigating the case. However, as of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with Robert Gilliam Jr.'s death. The police have released limited information regarding the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In a related development, Robert Gilliam Jr.'s brother, Jevon Gilliam, was also a victim of gun violence. Jevon, a 31-year-old African American male, was shot and killed on January 29, 2021, at a South Peoria gas station. Marvin M. Sanders, 31, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with Jevon Gilliam's death. Sanders, who has pending cases in both Peoria County and McLean County, allegedly killed Jevon during an incident in which several shots were fired. Sanders was treated for gunshot wounds, questioned by police, and subsequently arrested.
The tragic deaths of Robert and Jevon Gilliam have left their family and the community in mourning. The Peoria Police Department continues to seek additional information and urges anyone with knowledge of the incidents to come forward. The investigation into Robert Gilliam Jr.'s death remains active, and authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
