On Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10-year-old Torres Lamar Johnson II of Peoria, Illinois, was fatally shot in the chest at the CityScape Apartments located in the 600 block of Romeo B. Garrett Avenue on Peoria's south side. The shooting occurred in the evening, and Johnson was pronounced dead at a local hospital just after 8 p.m., less than half an hour after the incident.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a robbery attempt. Prosecutors allege that Maurice D. Sargent, 33, was involved in a cannabis purchase with two teenagers when the teens attempted to rob him. Sargent, who has a lengthy criminal record, fired a gun in response, and a stray bullet struck Johnson, who was an innocent bystander.
Maurice D. Sargent has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Torres Lamar Johnson II and is also facing charges of being an armed habitual criminal, a Class X felony. A judge granted a petition for Sargent's pretrial detention, and an arraignment was scheduled for October 31, 2024. Additionally, a 14-year-old is charged with attempted armed robbery in connection with the incident.
Torres Lamar Johnson II was remembered by his family, classmates, teachers, and the community as a fun, loving, and outgoing child who loved music, the video game Fortnite, and was an aspiring YouTuber. His funeral was held on Friday, October 11, at Sovereign Grace Missional Baptist Church, where his music teacher and others shared fond memories of him. Johnson leaves behind his two parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
A fund was established at Busey Bank to collect donations for Johnson's funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support for the family during this difficult time.
