Morris Thomas II, a 19-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost his life on September 3, 2016. Morris, affectionately known as 'Jimmy Truee,' was a talented DJ and entrepreneur who attended Peoria Central High School. He was known for his humor and ability to entertain family and friends. On the morning of his death, police were called to the area of West Windom Street and North Garfield Avenue following reports of a possible shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Morris and another victim, a 24-year-old man, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Morris was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the other victim survived but sustained serious injuries.
The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred during a dispute in the 900 block of North Garfield Avenue. The altercation, reportedly over a woman, escalated into violence, resulting in the fatal shooting of Morris Thomas II. William G. Runyon, a 24-year-old man from North Peoria, was arrested in connection with the incident. Runyon was charged with the shooting but was acquitted of murder by a Peoria County jury in late August 2018. Despite the acquittal on the murder charge, Runyon was convicted of shooting the other man involved in the incident and for illegally possessing a weapon. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with the judge noting the severe consequences of carrying and using firearms.
Runyon's defense argued that he acted in self-defense during the fight, which was corroborated by his attorney, Larry Beaumont. The defense claimed that the altercation was a result of a personal dispute and that Runyon did not intend to kill Morris Thomas II. The prosecution, however, pushed for a harsher sentence, highlighting Runyon's prior weapon offense and the impact of the shooting on the surviving victim, who testified about the lasting trauma of witnessing his friend's death.
The case of Morris Thomas II's death underscores the tragic outcomes of gun violence and the complexities of legal proceedings in such cases. While the acquittal on the murder charge brought some relief to Runyon's supporters, the lengthy prison sentence for the other charges reflected the serious nature of the crime and its impact on the community. Morris Thomas II's untimely death remains a poignant reminder of the need for addressing violence and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
