Ryan William Greenwood, a 30-year-old African American male from Peoria, IL, tragically lost his life on June 3, 2020. Ryan, affectionately known as "Pito" by his family and "Wood" by his friends, was a beloved member of the Peoria community. He was a former star basketball player and team captain at Peoria Central High School, and later became a coach for the Legacy Basketball league, sharing his passion for the sport with local youth. Ryan was also a dedicated father to his children and a father figure to many others in the community.
On the night of June 3, 2020, Ryan was standing in the 1700 block of North Bigelow Street, talking to friends, when he was shot multiple times. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m., and the city's ShotSpotter gunfire detection system recorded five rounds being fired. Emergency services were alerted, and Ryan was found with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at OSF St. Francis Medical Center shortly before midnight. An autopsy later confirmed that Ryan had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body, likely causing instant death.
Ryan's death marked the fifth homicide in Peoria for the year 2020. His mother, Rachael Parker, who is the Peoria County Clerk, made a heartfelt plea to the community to help solve her son's murder. She recounted the painful moments following the shooting, from hearing the gunshots to rushing to the scene and eventually learning of her son's death at the hospital. Rachael emphasized the devastating impact of such violence on families and the community, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Peoria Police Department launched an investigation into Ryan's murder, but as of now, no arrests have been made. A cash reward of $5,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of any suspects involved in the case. The community continues to seek justice for Ryan William Greenwood, hoping that those responsible for his death will be brought to justice.
