Jon Buckley, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on September 20, 2006, in Peoria, Illinois. Jon was born on July 26, 1986, and was a resident of Peoria, where he attended local schools and was actively involved in community programs. On the night of his death, Jon was shot and killed, a devastating event that left his family and community in mourning.
Following Jon's death, his mother, Yolanda Wallace, took significant steps to address the violence that claimed her son's life. She founded the Jon Buckley Memorial Garden in 2012, a serene space behind the Peoria RiverPlex on Water Street, overlooking the Illinois River. This garden was created to provide solace to those who have experienced similar tragedies, offering a place for reflection and peace. Yolanda also initiated the "Who Killed Me?" poster campaign, aimed at solving unsolved murders in Peoria, including her son's. This campaign, in partnership with the Peoria Police Department, encourages community members to come forward with information about these crimes.
Despite these efforts, Jon Buckley's murder remains unsolved. Yolanda Wallace has been a vocal advocate for justice, urging people to break the "no snitching" code and provide any information that could lead to the resolution of her son's case. She hosts a support group for mothers who have lost children to violence, providing a network of support and understanding for those navigating similar grief.
The impact of Jon's death extends beyond his immediate family, affecting friends, community members, and others who knew him. Yolanda's advocacy work highlights the broader issue of violence in Peoria and the need for community solidarity in addressing and preventing such tragedies. Her efforts continue to bring attention to Jon's case and the many other unsolved murders in the area, with the hope that justice will eventually be served.
