In the early evening of May 8, 2026, a domestic disturbance in downtown Peoria, Illinois, escalated into a tragedy that claimed the life of 42-year-old Ashley N. Stenson. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, Stenson was a mother and grandmother who was reportedly attempting to flee from an estranged partner. The incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Hamilton and Madison streets, near the Four Points by Sheraton hotel.
Stenson was shot multiple times and was rushed to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, but her injuries were too severe. The Peoria County Coroner confirmed that she died almost instantly from the multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead in the trauma room shortly after 7:00 p.m.
The suspect in the fatal shooting was identified as 41-year-old Cortez White of St. Louis, Missouri. After shooting Stenson, White was confronted by a Peoria Police officer who had responded to the domestic disturbance call. An exchange of gunfire ensued between White and the officer. While the officer was unharmed, White sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. The coroner pronounced him dead just before 8:30 p.m. Several bullets reportedly struck the nearby hotel during the shootout, but no other injuries were reported.
Due to the death of the sole suspect, Cortez White, there will be no arrests or subsequent criminal trial for the murder of Ashley Stenson. The case is a closed-ended event in terms of prosecution and conviction. As is standard protocol for any officer-involved shooting, the Illinois State Police is conducting an investigation into the incident. Friends and family of Ashley Stenson remember her as a hardworking and dedicated woman with a fun and infectious personality who brought joy to those around her. She was described as the life of the party, deeply loyal to her loved ones, and especially devoted to her children and grandchildren. The case stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, which in this instance, resulted in the deaths of both the victim and the perpetrator.
