Terry G. Linwood Jr., a 32-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on November 21, 2017, in Peoria, Illinois. Terry was born on May 19, 1985, in Peoria, and was a graduate of Woodruff High School. He was married to Kenisha Lewis and was known for his passion for family, cooking, and sharp dressing.
On the night of November 21, 2017, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Peoria police responded to a report of a man with a gun running down the street in the 1100 block of East Gift Avenue. Authorities found Terry Linwood Jr. in the 1200 block of East Virginia Avenue, about a block away, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:43 a.m. following surgery.
Preliminary autopsy findings confirmed that Terry Linwood Jr. died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with his death. The case remains unsolved, leaving his family and friends grieving and seeking justice.
Terry Linwood Jr.'s death marked the 11th homicide in Peoria for the year 2017. His passing prompted a significant outpouring of support from the community, with more than 100 family members, friends, and community members attending a memorial service to honor his memory. The service included an interpretive dance performance by The Royal Family, a Peoria dance troupe, highlighting the impact of gun violence on the community.
The Peoria Community Against Violence and other local organizations have continued to advocate for justice and peace in the wake of Terry Linwood Jr.'s tragic death. His father, Terry Linwood Sr., spoke at the memorial service, sharing memories of his son's passions and the profound loss felt by the family.
