Percy Llewellyn King IV, aged 33, was a beloved member of the Peoria community. He was known for his kind and giving nature, and he was an active parent volunteer at PCCEO as well as a community activist. Percy was also a devoted fan of basketball and the Dallas Cowboys. Tragically, Percy was shot and killed on May 3, 2020, at a gathering of over 200 people in the 1500 block of Westmoreland in Peoria.
The incident led to a significant outpouring of grief from the community, and his family set up a memorial at the corner of Griswold and Grinnell in Peoria. The memorial included a giant blue teddy bear, bunches of flowers, and a picture of Percy. However, the family was later told by Peoria police to take down the memorial, which led to further distress and frustration. The police cited the presence of deflated balloons, burnt candles, and empty alcohol bottles as reasons for the removal request. This incident highlighted the lack of clear city rules or guidelines on how long or where memorials can be placed.
Despite the removal of the memorial, Percy's memory continues to live on through the love and respect of his family, friends, and the community. His parents, Percy King III and Stacey Johnson-King, along with his children and siblings, have been vocal about their grief and the need for more sensitivity in handling such memorials. The community has also called for changes in the process of removal requests to ensure that families are treated with more compassion and understanding.
Percy's death remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities, and the ongoing need for support and healing in the aftermath of such tragedies.
