Zarious Malikai Fair, a 16-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically passed away on June 12, 2019. Zarious was born on May 22, 2003, in Peoria, IL, to DeMarco Fair and Gamiake MaKori. He was known for his sweet, kind, and loving nature, and he enjoyed riding bikes, playing basketball, and collecting Nike Airforce 1 and Michael Jordan gym shoes. Zarious worked as a dishwasher at Jonas Seafood in East Peoria, IL.
On the fateful day of June 12, 2019, Zarious was fatally shot in the 700 block of East Frye Avenue in Peoria. The incident occurred when Zarious and his girlfriend were approached by two individuals, Doyle Nelson and Zavion Marks. Marks, who was 14 years old at the time, indicated his intention to rob Zarious. During the confrontation, Nelson patted down Zarious before Marks fired four shots, striking Zarious three times. Zarious was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The legal proceedings following Zarious's death were complex. Zavion Marks was found guilty of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison, with the possibility of parole in 2040. Marks's defense argued that he was under the influence of the older and more experienced Nelson, but the prosecution presented evidence that Marks had little remorse for his actions.
Doyle Nelson, who was 18 years old at the time of the incident, was also found guilty of first-degree murder under the state's "felony murder" provision. This law holds individuals accountable for murder if a death occurs during the commission of a forcible felony, such as robbery. Nelson's sentencing was set for May 5, 2021, where he faced a potential sentence of up to 75 years in prison.
The tragic death of Zarious M. Fair and the subsequent legal battles highlight the devastating impact of gun violence and the complexities of the justice system. Zarious's family and friends continue to mourn his loss, remembering him as a bright and loving young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
