Desmun Jermaine Underwood, a 29-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, passed away on November 30, 2015. Desmun was born on August 15, 1986, to the late Russell Underwood and Clara Underwood-Forman. He was well-known in his community, working at Caterpillar Inc., serving as a referee for Peoria Public Schools District 150, and being involved with Presidential Cuts.
Desmun was also an avid basketball fan and a beloved figure in Peoria.
On the day of his death, Desmun Underwood was found deceased in an alley near 1103 W. Nebraska Ave. The circumstances surrounding his death were initially unclear, leading to significant distress and confusion among his family and friends. Desmun's mother, Clara Underwood-Forman, has been particularly vocal about her son's case, expressing dissatisfaction with the investigation and seeking more information through legal channels. She has even gone to court, suing the city to obtain further details about her son's death.
Authorities have indicated that Desmun was involved in a home invasion and died during the incident. However, Clara Underwood-Forman disputes this claim, maintaining that her son was not participating in any criminal activity at the time of his death. This conflicting narrative has added to the complexity of the case, leaving many questions unanswered and the family in a state of limbo.
Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made in connection with Desmun Underwood's death. The case remains unsolved, contributing to the broader issue of unresolved homicides in Peoria. The Peoria Police Department has a clearance rate of 56 percent for homicide cases over the past decade, which is higher than the state average but still leaves a significant number of cases without resolution. Desmun's family continues to seek justice and closure, hoping that more information will come to light and that those responsible for his death will be held accountable.
