Tommie Trevion Forest III, a 14-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost his life on October 10, 2015. Tommie was a freshman at Peoria Central High School, where he excelled as an honor student and a star athlete in both basketball and football. He was also actively involved in his community, being a member of the Steve Harvey AAU Basketball Team of Peoria and the Chicago Mac Irving Fire AAU Basketball Team. Additionally, he served as a junior usher at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
On the night of his death, Tommie was staying at a friend's house in the 2400 block of North Flora Avenue. The incident occurred when a group of individuals, reportedly as many as seven, barged into the house during a botched robbery attempt. The intruders opened fire, resulting in Tommie's death from a single gunshot wound to the head. Three other teenagers and a woman were also injured in the shooting.
The investigation into Tommie's death led to the arrest and prosecution of five individuals. Samuel T. Clay Jr., 24, was the last person sentenced in connection with the case. He received a 19-year prison sentence for aggravated battery with a firearm, having shot one of the other victims. Clay was initially charged with murder, but the charges were dropped as part of a plea deal. He was not alleged to be one of the triggermen but served as the lookout during the robbery.
Other individuals involved in the case received significant sentences. Alex F. Collins, 24, was sentenced to 95 years in prison for first-degree murder and attempted murder. Dontarius N. Berdin, 23, received a 21-year sentence for aggravated battery. Kainen Lacy, 24, was sentenced to 25 years for aggravated battery, and Kiangelo G. Marshall, 21, was sentenced to 65 years for murder. The sentences reflect the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the community.
Tommie's death was a profound loss for his family, friends, and the Peoria community. His promising future was cut short by a senseless act of violence, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him. The legal proceedings brought some measure of justice, but the pain of his loss continues to be felt by many.
