Lance E. Griffel, a 36-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from East Peoria, IL, tragically lost his life on June 14, 2014. He was killed in a shooting incident at the Fifth Quarter Sports Bar and Pizzeria in East Peoria during a high school reunion. The incident occurred when 40-year-old Jason A. Moore, Griffel's ex-wife Lori A. Moore's scorned ex-husband, entered the bar and opened fire, fatally shooting both Lori and Lance.
The shooting took place around 8 p.m.
on a Saturday night, and the victims were pronounced dead at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center later that evening. Witnesses reported that more than 100 people were present at the bar, many of whom were attending the East Peoria High School class of 1999 reunion. An off-duty FBI agent present at the scene intervened and shot Moore, preventing further tragedy.
Following the incident, East Peoria police launched an investigation into the shooting. The Peoria County Coroner's office conducted autopsies on the victims, confirming that they sustained gunshot wounds to the head. The investigation revealed that Lori had filed for divorce from Moore in March 2013, and the divorce was finalized in May 2013.
The case drew significant media attention, and the off-duty FBI agent's quick actions were credited with preventing additional casualties. The East Peoria Police Department worked closely with other law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and witness statements to build a comprehensive case against Moore. Ultimately, Moore was identified as the sole suspect in the shooting, and his actions were deemed the direct cause of Lance E. Griffel's death.
The tragic loss of Lance E. Griffel left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. He was remembered as a dedicated manufacturing engineer, a loving brother, and a cherished friend. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of swift law enforcement intervention in such cases.
